JPT1311

Quest 1 Class: The Anim(e)ted World

[animatedworldblog]

Your Name / Hetalia: Axis Powers / Sensōron

Watching Your Name, Hetalia: Axis Powers, and Sensoron was a lot to process emotionally as they all portrayed some sort of emotional constraint. The different emotions that you feel throughout each of these anime take you for a ride because it is all different. In Your Name, I felt the emotions the strongest because you can feel the loss and pain that they feel throughout. The comet was the main form of the example they used for the disasters as you can see the damage that it was doing to society. This makes you think about other weather or unnatural events that could happen in reality that set you on a different emotional track of fear and pain. While I personally have never felt anything like that with a tragedy, I can tell that people who experienced these types of events really went through a lot and you feel their pain through the screen. In Hetalia, the emotional feeling was a lot different compared to the first one. The beginning leads you to believe they are acting funny to portray a comedy sort of feeling. However, as you move on you clearly understand that this is far worse and people feel a lot of distraught and emotion relating to the war. The sense of pain that these countries were feeling was real and no matter how many times they tried to make the subjects funny, you can tell there was a deeper emotional feeling relating to these events. In Sensoron, I liked you up front this whole film was and easy to understand. There was no trying to make it funny or covering up the emotions as they were real and straight to the point. This makes you think about the divide between countries and how real these situations can really get if it were to happen. Overall, all three of these pieces of anime reflect different emotions and really take you through a lot of emotional feelings.

[alexisanimetedworld]

I definitely agree that Your Name was the most emotional anime this week. I liked how you focused on the natural disaster of the comet - it really was devastating. Large scale disasters like that are heartbreaking. We see them all the time in the U.S. - just last month, flash floods took the lives of several children. People are still recovering from tragedies like Hurricane Katrina, even 20 years later. As for Hetalia, I also agree that it touches on serious issues from the war, but it uses satire to amplify these global tensions in a unique way. I personally enjoyed how they navigated the narratives of different countries through the comedic lense. And with Sensōron, you're right - it definitely was very direct. I get why it was so divisive. Healing after war isn’t easy, and people often turn to different narratives to make any sense of the pain to find some form of closure.

[alexisanimetedworld]

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

The movie Your Name was the first real piece of anime I had ever watched that made me rethink what I thought anime was. I've mentioned this in a previous blog post, but my study hall teacher in high school was trying to convince a room full of moody teenagers that anime was actually dope - we didn’t believe him. Then he played Your Name and A Silent Voice. He kept insisting that anime storylines are way better because they go outside the box and don’t follow the same predictable algorithm most American movies do. After watching Your Name, boy was he right. The whole class was in awe of how visually stunning it was, and the powerful message of a relationship that transcends time and reality. It really delves into the idea of kizuna - a bond rooted in empathy and understanding. The main characters switch bodies, literally walking in each other’s shoes, and through that develop a deep connection despite gender, geography, or even time period. Watching them fall in love while trying to save Mitsuha’s village from disaster was deeply emotional. I remember my teacher saying this is a modern version of the Japanese “Red String” theory - people destined to meet, no matter what. I am definitely happy my study hall teacher showed us this anime.

Hetalia was totally new to me. I had never heard about it before, and, boy, was I pleases with that I saw. I a big fan of darker humor and, as a Jewish person who's family was more than affected by the events of World War 2, I found the satire and absurdity really funny. It’s refreshing to see this kind of history addressed in a way that allows to understand the depth from an emotional distance, so that humor can lead the way. It was weird at first, but the deeper I got into it, the more I saw how it plays with stereotypes to explore how nations interact and misunderstand one another. Humor becomes a way to reflect on trauma and global issues without being overwhelmed by them. It was like watching the Japanese version of South Park. Often these types of animations are able to critize society the most because its brilliant use of humor.

As for Sensōron, I saw the warning and thought, “It can’t be that bad.” Then I read it. It was definitely radical. I strongly disagreed with a lot of it, but once I took a step back, I was able to see why people in postwar Japan gravitated toward something that made them feel a sense of pride again. Even if the logic is flawed, people often cling to narratives that help them make sense of tragedy and make themselves feel better. The author is trying to justify Japan's actions in the war instead of just acknowledging the tragedies for what they were.

[animatedworldblog]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

After watching both Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, I experienced two completely unique worlds that were interesting to learn about. The worlds were both unique in their own ways but had a strong emotional story to support the overall plot going on throughout both of these anime. In Nausicaa, I thought it was nice how she showed her support everything including the things that people thought were monsters to society. She was very confident and did not fright when the moment came to her. She was willing to put everything behind her and give up everything to save Ohmu which shows how much she really cares. The plots surrounding her story seem close to reality because some of these things actually occur in our world today or are threatened to happen in the near future. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was another interesting plot because the struggle from the characters was very unique. The way they felt like they were being used was interesting because it showed that they were willing to hide their emotions and portray something even deeper. Pyra and Mythra were both struggling with who they really were because it felt like they were being controlled for so long. People tend to hide some of their emotions throughout time just to go through with their everyday activities. I think this is a good real world example of how these two characters felt because they weren't themselves instead they were being used. Both of these pieces of anime reflected worlds that show how much damage can be created and what the impact has on the people that belong to these two worlds is. The way that both sets of characters in each plot never give up and keeping pushing forward keeps you enticed to find out more and see how their story ends. Having the belief that change can happen no matter what the circumstances are really displays a sense of courage and hope throughout the world.

[alexisanimetedworld]

I really liked your thoughts on both anime. I agree that these stories feel emotional and real because they reflect problems we see in our world today. Like you said, Nausicaä’s bravery and Pyra/Mythra’s struggle with identity show how powerful it is to care deeply, even when others don’t understand. I also think we, as people, can learn a lot from them. We live in a fast-paced, "always more" society, but these characters remind us to slow down, think, and keep pushing for what’s right - especially when it comes to nature, compassion, and creating a better future for everyone.

[alexisanimetedworld]

Blog Post — Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Watching Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 really made me think. Both stories take place in broken worlds, where people have polluted the earth, started wars, and lost their way. But in the middle of all that, the main characters never give up on what they believe in.

Nausicaä is one of the most powerful examples. Even when everyone around her wants to destroy the toxic jungle, she’s patient and kind. She figures out that the plants aren’t the problem. The problem is the soil that’s been poisoned by people. She doesn’t fight nature, she listens to it. Even when she’s shot and nearly killed, she keeps trying to protect the Ohm and stop the war.

In Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Rex also shows this kind of strength. He believes in reaching Elysium, even when everyone says it’s just a myth. And when they finally get there, it’s not the paradise they expected - it’s dry and empty. But that doesn’t stop them. They keep pushing forward, trying to build a better future. The cool thing about Xenoblade is that humans and nature actually depend on each other to survive. The Titans, Blades, and humans are all part of one big system that Klaus helped restart.

Both stories made me think about how we treat the world today. People are always chasing more - more stuff, more power - and we forget to take care of what we already have. These characters reminded me that sometimes doing the right thing means slowing down, caring for others, and working with nature instead of against it. It made me ask: what kind of world do I want to live in and what can I do to help make it better?

[reviewer28]

"Man Up?"

Neon Genesis Evangelion tells the inspiring story of a boy who struggles with his mental health and finding his identity as he faces pressures from society to conform to traditional expectations of masculinity. In this anime, Shinji is forced by his father to control a robot meant to fight monsters known as Angels in the futuristic city of Tokyo-3. However, Shinji does not want to engage in violence, and he initially refuses despite facing great pressure from his father. He only finally agrees to pilot the robot when he realizes that the alternative is a wounded woman doing the job. Even when he does agree, Shinji is not very competent with operating the machine, and does not perform his duties well. During the show, Shinji struggles deeply with his mental health. Since he is not able to do what society considers “manly” such as exerting aggression, he feels unworthy and like a coward. Additionally, when he expresses his fear and frustrations, he is told to “be a man” and to deal with it. Shinji is shamed for his signs of weakness, taking a major psychological toll on him. This connects to numerous global issues. The first is that of mental health struggles, which are especially common amongst adolescents/teenagers. In the real world, coming-of-age is associated with numerous stressors and challenges in discovering oneself. For example, the desire to get into a top college and feeling inferior to others who see more accomplished is common. In addition, the feeling of not fitting and feeling unworthy compared to peers is common. Neon Genesis Evangelion is a perfect example of this, as the main character is a teenager who feels unworthy and struggles with depression and anxiety as a result of his rejection by society. The anime also connects to the idea of toxic masculinity. Men are not only expected to be strong and confident, but they are also often told to hide their emotions. When men express their emotions or ask for help, they are seen as weak. This can be clearly seen in the case of Shinji, as his concerns and his sadness are shut down since he is expected to act like a man. It is only when Shinji is able to free himself from society’s expectations of him as a man that he is able to accept his value. 

The End of Evangelion explores similar themes, but it shows Shinji grappling with his struggles in deciding whether to resort to hegemonic masculinity in a different way. Shinji tries to engage in displays of traditional masculinity through objectifying women and eventually attempting to inflict violence upon Asuka after he feels betrayed by her. However, Shinji eventually is unable to keep up with the expectations placed on him, and he returns to abandoning traditional masculinity. When he expresses his emotions and gives up on violence, he is called disgusting, showing how embedded hegemonic masculinity is in society. The analysis for The End of Evangelion is similar to that of Neon Genesis Evangelion. However, in this ending, it is clear how emotionally taxing it was for Shinji to pretend to be something he wasn’t and to abandon his values. This shows how in the real world, despite societal pressure to “fit in,” trying to change oneself in order to conform can be damaging and betray one’s true identity. From both of the anime, it is important to also take away the fact that in order to be a man, there is no specific way that one must act. Proving oneself as being strong or repressing one’s emotions is only unnecessary and damaging. 

​​

[alexisanimetedworld]

Great response! I really appreciate how you highlighted the mental toll adolescence and societal expectations can take on someone like Shinji. The anime definitely pushes those themes to the extreme, but the emotional core is something many of us can relate to—especially the pressure to fit in or live up to a version of ourselves that others expect. I like that you called the post "Man Up?" because the anime also highlights the importance of discussing male mental health. It’s powerful to see a story that doesn’t shy away from showing a boy who’s vulnerable, afraid, and uncertain. That kind of representation is rare and really important to normalize.

Ask ChatGPT

[alexisanimetedworld]

Blog Post: Neon Genesis Evangelion / The End of Evangelion

Watching Neon Genesis Evangelion and The End of Evangelion left me with a deep sense of unease - but also understanding. Both the series and the film confront male mental health in a way that I’ve rarely seen in media, especially anime. What struck me most was how the characters constantly wrestle with roles society demands of them, even when those roles clash completely with who they are inside.

The show captures something that feels universally human: the silent pressure to perform, to be strong, to fit in. For Shinji and others, their refusal or inability to conform results in isolation and emotional collapse. And honestly, that hit close to home. There are moments in life where trying to “fit” into social expectations feels like wearing someone else’s skin. Watching these characters mentally unravel under that pressure was unsettling - but real. Their pain feels familiar, especially for those who’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, or feeling "not enough" in a world that rewards masks.

This anime doesn’t offer a happy resolution. It shows what happens when young people are expected to be saviors while their own emotional needs are ignored. Globally, and not just in Japan, conversations around men’s mental health are still lacking, and there’s this lingering stigma around expressing vulnerability. Evangelion forces us to look at that reality.

What I appreciated most was that it didn’t glamorize mental illness or pain. It made me reflect not only on how society treats difference, but also on the internal battles many people - especially young men - face in silence. In a world that tells us to “man up” or stay strong, Evangelion dares to ask: what if that strength is actually in admitting we’re hurting?

[animatedworldblog]

Convention

I have personally never attended an anime convention before or during this course so I cannot relate. However, after watching the True Otaku clips from the documentary, I can understand how big of a fandom these conventions actually are. I always used to think that anime was just another show that people watch and talk about but you can understand that it has a deeper meaning after watching the documentary. People embed themselves into the anime world and feel like they are genuinely apart of the show. Anime holds a deeper meaning to these people and audiences compared to a popular tv show that people watch. The documentary is intriguing because it follows a group of people as they explore the different cultures throughout the animated world. People feel like they are a part of the show through playing different characters. Whether it is through costumes or participating in different actions, these people feel like they have a greater purpose because they represent someone or something that is in the anime. Cosplaying is a very popular thing when it comes to anime and people actually feel like they are solving their own personal problems through acting out different anime scenes. This could be important in the mental health field as some people feel like they are cured after participating in these actions. The fandom throughout anime is participating form because people are involved in what is actually going on. A popular theme that most people find themselves feeling is loneliness. These people feel like they have been isolated from society so people feel like they are brought back into a completely different world through anime. The anime promotes a sense of communion and togetherness because they are a part of something greater. Groups of people through all over the world come together with different ideas or opinions based on the anime that they watched and share them together. On top of that, they also dress the parts and participate in group activities relating to the anime that they all have watched together. While some people may not feel like they are accepted into society, they feel a connected and happy when they are able to relate back to their own animated world. While I've never attended an anime convention nor been a fan before taking this class, I can see that people feel like they are more connected to one another and brought together because they share a similarity in the animated world. People go through different things all the time so it is important to have something that will always make you feel comfortable and take you to a happy place. For me personally, I don't use anime as a form of comfort but I can see how it helps other people find their own mental happy space. True Otaku helps people understand that fandom is something greater than just liking something it holds a deeper purpose to people. People all over the world participate in this form of fandom but it will always hold a deeper and more meaningful interest to them as they attach themselves to the specific anime that they watch. Whether it is online through a digital chatroom or social media platform or in person, people all over the world connect with one another to share their different ideas and experiences and grow together as a fandom community. I personally find my fandom group when it comes to sports. I feel like I can have a conversation with anyone when it comes to sports and it definitely brings me a lot more happiness. I think it is important for everyone to have some sort of fandom because it can go a long way when it comes to your mental health as well as your personal growth as an individual.

[alexisanimetedworld]

I completely agree with how beautifully you described the power of Otaku culture to bring people together. It’s amazing how something like anime can offer a deep sense of belonging and connection. I also love what you said about everyone needing their own kind of fandom because it’s so true. Even just chatting with one other person about something you both love can be so meaningful. For me, that happens with movies and some TV shows. For example, right now my cousin is watching Game of Thrones for the first time, and it’s been so fun bonding over it. Fandom really does build community and allows for people to express themselves.

[alexisanimetedworld]

Blog Post — Convention

I’ve never been to an anime convention before, and I wasn’t able to go to one during this class, but after watching True Otaku: The Documentary, I feel like I understand them better now. Honestly, I used to think anime conventions were kind of strange - just big rooms full of people in costumes. But the documentary really changed how I see them. These events are actually really cool and meaningful for a lot of people. They're like a giant football game or music festival, but instead of cheering for a team or a band, everyone is celebrating anime.

The documentary showed fans of all kinds coming together to enjoy what they love. Some were dressed as characters, others were shopping for merch, and many were just hanging out with people who understood them. What I realized is that anime conventions are much more than just fun events. They’re places where people feel free to be themselves. They can dress up, express their creativity, and connect with others who share the same interests. In that way, it’s more than a hobby, it’s a way of building community.

In class, we’ve talked a lot about youth culture and how young people form their identities. Fandom is a big part of that. For many anime fans, being part of this community helps them understand who they are. Watching anime can be emotional and personal. Some people in the documentary shared how anime helped them through tough times - like dealing with loneliness, anxiety, or feeling like they didn’t fit in. For them, anime wasn’t just a show; it was something that gave them hope or made them feel understood. Conventions give fans a place to celebrate that connection, together.

What I found really interesting is how fans don’t just watch anime, they take part in it. Cosplaying, making art, sharing fan theories, or even writing fanfiction are all ways they stay connected to the stories they love. It’s not just about watching passively - it’s about creating, participating, and being part of something bigger. This reminded me of how we talked in class about postmodern culture and how people take media and make it their own. In conventions, fans blur the lines between reality and fiction. They dress as their favorite characters and step into their worlds for a day. It may look like fantasy, but for many, it’s deeply meaningful.

Another thing that stood out to me is how these spaces are judgment-free. People come from all different backgrounds and still feel like they belong. That’s really powerful. In a world where we’re often told to act or look a certain way, conventions give people a break from that pressure. It’s a place where you can be whoever you want, and nobody thinks it’s weird. That kind of freedom is rare, and I think it’s something more people should appreciate about fandom culture.

Since taking this class, I’ve started to really respect anime as a form of storytelling. The art, the characters, the emotions - it’s different from what you usually see in American TV. It’s deeper and sometimes more honest. I can see why people fall in love with it and why they’d want to celebrate it in such a big way.

Overall, even though I haven’t gone to a convention myself , and probably won't go to one, I now see why they matter so much to people. They bring people together, help them express themselves, and give them a sense of belonging. That’s what makes the otaku culture special.

[reviewer28]

The Many Angles of Girl Power

“Sailor Moon” explores themes of feminism and gender roles in Japanese society. Through certain events in the anime, certain gender stereotypes are defied, while others are unfortunately reinforced. In this anime, the story of Usaki, a middle school girl who discovers she is the reincarnation and guardian known as Sailor Moon, begins her journey to save the world from evil alongside her talking cat. She recruits a group of friends to help her find the location of the Legendary Silver Crystal, and eventually after numerous battles, she emerges victorious. Along her journey, she falls in love and eventually marries Mamoru, a man she is accompanied by. Usagi’s heroic quest connects to global issues because it reflects women’s independence and empowerment. The anime challenges ideas of women being relegated to the household and reliant on men. At the same time, the characters still enjoy activities/items considered to be “girly,” showing how girls can enjoy things traditionally associated with femininity but still be strong and powerful. This challenges the idea that strong women must behave a certain type of way, and allows the characters to continue to do what makes them happy while also growing into their new identities. However, while gender roles are challenged in the anime, certain problematic ideas are also reinforced. For example, Usagi still feels pressured to conform to rigid beauty standards, forcing herself to attempt to lose weight. Being extremely thin is often expected of women, with many taking extreme measures to lose weight such as participating in excessive exercise or restrictive diets. Some even develop eating disorders due to societal pressures to maintain an “ideal” body. This can be seen with Usagi, as she becomes insecure due to negative comments on her weight gain, engaging in diets and exercises advertised as being good for weight loss. She even decides to continue her fight due to the belief that it will make her lose weight. This also shows how society takes advantage of vulnerable women by advertising quick fixes for weight loss that are not actually effective in order to profit off of insecurities. Finally, the sexualization of Usagi’s school uniform also raises many questions about the purpose of the characters revealing more revealing uniforms as minors. Some argue that this is inappropriate, white others view this as experimentation with transitioning between the characters dressing/acting in a more mature fashion and then returning to their childhood. 

In “Aggretsuko,” the protagonist, Retsuko, struggles with being in a hostile work environment and requiring an outlet to express her frustrations. She works with a misogynistic boss who treats her as inferior to her male colleagues, forcing her to do tasks that are considered to be “women’s jobs” rather than treating her as an equal. After work, Retsuke expresses her rage by screaming at a karaoke bar, which is something that is traditionally considered to not be “ladylike.” This allows her to have an escape from her everyday life and to take a break from hiding her emotions. She is expected to be obedient in her workplace rather than speaking up against the mistreatment she experiences. This is similar to how in real life, women are often expected to smile and take orders from others, regardless of whether they are fair or not. Women are not expected to speak up or express their anger, but rather, they are constantly forced to maintain a friendly and polite demeanor. This can lead to strong built up emotions, as seen with Retsuko. The karaoke bar is the only place she feels she can truly let out her emotions in a world where she is constantly forced to suppress them. The anime shows how emotionally taxing being devalued in a sexist workplace can be, as well as the unreasonable expectations placed on women for how they are supposed to manage their emotions. 

In “Wandering Son,” two children struggle to discover their identities, as they both feel that they do not conform with the gender they were assigned at birth. They both wish to be opposite genders, and as they grow and enter puberty, they experiment with different ways to express themselves. However, they struggle with judgement and lack of acceptance from society, as many do not understand or support their lifestyle. This anime connects to the issues of conformity and societal prejudices. People are frequently judged and looked down on if they do not fit in with what is considered to be normal. Many are bullied and excluded for trying to express their identity if it goes against what is expected. This also connects to the issue of transgender and LGBTQ rights, as many in both the past and present have been discriminated against for being a part of this community. This has been in the form of both discrimination by society and legal restrictions on things such as gender-affirming care and gay marriage. Finally, this also connects to the issue of mental health, especially for members of the LGBTQ community. Many struggle with their mental health as they question their identity, especially if they are not supported by their close friends and family. 

[alexisanimetedworld]

I thought you did an awesome job breaking down each anime and how they deal with gender identity and stereotypes. I really liked how you pointed out that Sailor Moon empowers girls but also still shows the pressure to look a certain way - the part about the weight loss stuff really stuck with me too. Your thoughts on Aggretsuko and how women are expected to just smile and stay quiet felt super real. And Wandering Son was such a powerful example of how hard it can be to figure out who you are when the world doesn’t make space for that.

[alexisanimetedworld]

Blog Post — Sailor Moon / Aggretsuko / Wandering Son

What struck me most across Sailor Moon, Aggretsuko, and Wandering Son was how each anime tells a story about personal identity - how characters navigate the world’s expectations while figuring out who they really are. Each protagonist, in their own way, is asking the question: Who am I, and who do I want to be?

In Sailor Moon, Usagi starts off as clumsy and unsure, constantly told what she should be as a teenage girl - graceful, brave, and selfless. Yet her growth is not about fitting into a perfect mold, but about embracing her emotions, caring deeply for others, and using her own unique strength to become a leader. Her journey shows how femininity doesn’t need to be limited to societal ideals. It can be powerful on its own terms.

Aggretsuko highlights a more adult, but just as relatable, struggle. Retsuko is stuck in a draining office job where being a “good” woman means being quiet, compliant, and agreeable. But through her secret love of death metal karaoke, she finds a voice that rejects those expectations. Her frustration speaks to a universal experience of feeling boxed in by what society tells you to be.

Wandering Son takes this further by focusing on gender identity from a young age. Shuichi’s experience as a transgender girl is tenderly portrayed, with all the pain and confusion that comes from not fitting into binary expectations. It resonated with me how she is constantly negotiating how to present herself, who she wants to be, and how others perceive her.

All three anime show that identity is not something you’re born knowing. It’s a journey that everyone goes on, often in conflict with the societal expectations. But they also show the quiet power in continuing that search.

[sydneyyyyyyyyyy-blog2]

Genshiken

Watching Genshiken was actually comforting for me, I grew up loving art, video games, and anime but I often felt like those things weren’t “productive,” this show felt like a quiet validation. It doesn’t try to dramatize otaku culture or mock it, it just lets it exist. The club members aren’t idealized, they’re awkward, intense, and sometimes painfully relatable. But through their passion, they carve out a space that feels real, even when the rest of the world doesn’t really get it.

Something I liked was how Genshiken shows fan culture as a creative, and almost rebellious act. The doujinshi production and Comifes scenes show how much energy and love fans pour into creating. This ties back to Fiske’s idea of the “shadow cultural economy” where fans build their own status, prestige, and meaning outside official culture. These aren’t passive consumers, they’re producers with a voice. And in a society like Japan’s, where conformity can feel consuming, it’s a very powerful form of resistance.

Saito’s discussion of otaku as people who turn general fiction into personal fiction also hit hard. I used to think fanfiction or cosplay was just for fun. But now I see it as a way people reclaim control over stories that speak to them, transforming something mass-produced into something deeply personal. Episode 9, where Madarame awkwardly gets locked in a room with Saki, becomes hilarious and heartbreaking because we see how much these characters struggle to balance real life with their love for fiction.

Azuma’s “database” theory also clicked into place here. Characters like Ogiue, who hides her inner otaku, reflect a postmodern tension, choosing fiction over “reality” not because it’s easier, but because it makes more sense when the larger narratives of society have broken down.

At the end of the day, Genshiken reminded me that community doesn’t have to be big or flashy to matter. Sometimes, all it takes is a shared table, some bad ramen, and a bunch of nerds who just get you.

[alexisanimetedworld]

Great analysis of the show. I 100% agree - Genshiken does a great job of exemplifying fan culture. It’s beautiful how the show depicts the characters' love for otaku culture in such a relatable way. I've never been someone who watches a lot of anime, but it’s an art form that is often misunderstood in American culture. Like you shared, the anime shows how the characters' passion for otaku culture can resonate with anyone. I may not be an avid anime watcher, but I remember what it was like to be a big Marvel fan. I know what it’s like to be deeply invested in something - whether it’s movies, sports, art, music, or anything else. We can all relate to these “awkward, intense, and sometimes painfully relatable” characters because, in one form or another, we’ve all been there.

[alexisanimetedworld]

Blog Post — Genshiken

Watching Genshiken really made me reflect on how powerful and complicated fan culture can be. While I’ve never been a super intense fan myself, I could really relate to the joy and sense of community the characters found in their shared interests. It reminded me of how I felt back in high school when I was really into Marvel. Sitting in a packed theater watching Avengers: Endgame, and hearing everyone cheer and gasp together; there was something deeply human about that. Just like in Genshiken, fandom becomes more than liking a show or comic; it's a way to connect. I felt that same unity this year when UF won the NCAA championship in basketball. If you were there, you know Gainesville was electric. People came together purely over shared passion. That’s what Genshiken shows so well - the beauty in people finding each other through a mutual love for something.

But the anime doesn’t shy away from showing the other side of fan culture, either. There’s that subtle competition between club members, like when they start judging each other’s collections or knowledge. It reminded me of the annoying “real fan” debates I’ve seen. Like when someone questions whether someone else is a “true” fan just because they didn’t listen to every album or don’t know every stat on a team. In Genshiken, you see this kind of elitism play out in quieter ways, like in how some members gatekeep the hobby, or feel superior for being more "hardcore." That kind of behavior takes away from the joy fandom should bring. Let people love what they love.

And of course, Genshiken also shows how fan obsession can verge on unhealthy. There’s a fine line between passion and sanity, and some characters - like Madarame - sometimes blur that line. It made me think of how dangerous fandom can become, like in the tragic cases of Selena or John Lennon. When admiration becomes possessive, it stops being about connection and starts being something darker.

Overall, Genshiken reminded me that fandom, when rooted in joy and shared experience, is a beautiful thing, but it needs self-awareness and kindness to stay that way.

[animatedworldblog]

Naruto/Wolf Children/A Silent Voice

Watching all of these different pieces of anime really made me think a lot as there was a lot to take in. To start, Naruto was unique because he wanted people to notice him and had felt like he was being left out throughout his life. This is relatable for a lot of people who grow up without that love and support and wish they had people there to notice them. As the youngest in my family, there were definitely some moments where you feel like this but overall it changes and you don't hold that same feeling anymore as you continue to grow. His story is very inspiring as well because I enjoyed seeing him suffer at the beginning but have the courage to never give up and keep pushing forward until he reaches his goal. Wolf Children brings in the parenting perspective as Hana is trying to integrate her children who don't exactly fit into society. It is another relatable story for parents trying to integrate their kids into society while they feel like they deserve the best care. A Silent Voice was one of the most emotional anime we have seen so far. The story was built to be very powerful and they didn't cover anything up. Bullying is a strong subject to talk about because it happens all over the world. The person getting bullied feels hurt and then later on the person doing the bullying feels guilt. This cycle never ends and always repeats as it is simply impossible to stop. Shoya represented how meaningful it is to hold yourself accountable. While he was showing empathy towards others, it is important to self reflect and hold yourself accountable for your actions and figure out ways to become a better person. This anime is a prime example of how someone who was the bully now comprehends what they did was wrong and they should make amends for it. Overall, these three pieces of anime all had their own unique perspectives and reflected relatable things for the different roles of people in society.

[alexisanimetedworld]

I completely agree with your analysis! What makes these three anime so special is that anyone can relate to them in some way. Naruto shows the power of perseverance in the face of discrimination. His story is inspiring because he refuses to let others define him. That really resonated with me, especially after facing moments of prejudice myself. It’s a reminder to stay true to who you are and keep moving forward.

I also liked that you mentioned the parenting aspect in Wolf Children. Hana just wants the best for her kids, but the film also highlights the universal struggle of figuring out your identity. We’ve all faced that internal battle of deciding who we want to be versus who society expects us to be. It’s a powerful reflection on the pressure to “fit in.”

A Silent Voice is definitely one of the most emotional anime we’ve watched. It shows how bullying affects both the victim and the bully. The film does a great job of exploring guilt, redemption, and the struggle to change. Many of us can relate to that desire to grow and be better, even when it’s difficult. These anime reflect real human experiences that go beyond cultural boundaries.

[alexisanimetedworld]

Blog Post — Naruto / Wolf Children / A Silent Voice

All three of these anime - Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice - really resonated with me, each in different ways. What makes them so powerful is that everyone can relate to at least one part of their messages, no matter who you are or where you come from. These aren’t just Japanese stories, they’re human stories.

Naruto stood out to me because of how it tackles visual discrimination. Society isolates Naruto simply for something out of his control. It reminded me of a personal experience I had recently when a group of people harassed me and my friends on the street for “looking Jewish.” Unfortunately, this wasn't entirely new for us. But like Naruto, I’ve learned not to let ignorance define me. I’ve learned to let it make me even prouder of who I am. Naruto teaches that lesson through his persistence and inner strength, and that’s why he’s such a relatable and inspiring character.

Wolf Children hit differently but equally hard. The movie explores identity and the struggle of trying to figure out who you are while balancing different sides of yourself. Whether you come from a diverse background or not, I think everyone can relate to feeling like you’re stuck between worlds at some point in life. We’ve all faced the pressure to fit in, even when we’re still figuring ourselves out.

A Silent Voice has always been personal to me. The first time I watched it was back in 10th grade during study hall. Our teacher, who we used to joke was a huge anime fan (with respect), showed it to us. It was the one of the first anime movie that many in the class watched, myself included. We all related to it - whether we’d been bullied, were the bully, or had been bystanders. High school is often the perfect setting for that kind of reflection. After watching it, I think our class actually became "closer". We started to understand each other better and appreciate people’s differences more.

Overall, these three anime are important because they don’t just reflect issues in Japan—they reflect global issues: discrimination, identity, forgiveness, and growth. They teach us not just how to survive in society but how to become better people and create better communities, no matter who we are.

[nat-urallyanime]

Shin Sekai Yori

The newest anime I have watched is called Shin Sekai Yori. Some may also know it by the English title From the New World and as the title suggests this anime takes place in a “new world.” It is set in the future where everyone develops psychic powers. Unbeknownst to the main characters they are under constant surveillance and those who either do not manifest powers or fail tests are killed. Another show where I just have to give credit to the creators for creating a show with unique themes. I have to give credit to the pacing and direction the show took where at the end instead of creating and suggesting a way to change this worlds views (which probably would be impossible to do in such a short time frame) it leaves the idea open ended. Where to some may not be as satisfying but is an excellent way to get people talking about the show. Having people creating their own theories and ideas on how to change that world for the better without reverting it back to something like our modern world. This is a great way to have an audience fall in love with your work without having the possibility of disappointing them or causing discourse over rather it is possible to implement. This anime also had a nice way of creating sympathy over its characters. Using their personal struggles, other characters emotions, and even through making the villains more complex. Also by using plot twist like the reveal of the rats being descendants of humans and the use of a time skip it acts as a way to enhance the characters development. Overall I highly recommend this anime for those who like open to interpretation endings, good world building and storytelling, and more psychological/emotional impacts.

[alexisanimetedworld]

Great take on the anime! I also thought the pacing was really well done, and I loved the open-ended nature of the ending. The themes around child violence and its ripple effects reminded me of the Netflix show Adolescence. Both explore not just the violence itself, but how society contributes to it—whether by neglect, misunderstanding, or fear.

With such a heavy and complex topic, I think an open ending is actually the most powerful choice. After all, in the real world, we haven’t found a clear solution to these issues either. Adolescence ends in a similar way—it doesn’t offer easy answers, just leaves you sitting with the question: here’s a kid who did something horrible—how did we, as a society, fail them? And how did that failure impact everyone involved?

Shin Sekai Yori does something similar. By not giving a clear resolution, it forces the viewer to really reflect on the society it presents, and by extension, our own. It challenges us to think critically about surveillance, discipline, and how we treat children who don’t fit the mold. Like you said, that open-endedness creates space for people to form their own interpretations—and that’s part of what makes the story so impactful.

[alexisanimetedworld]

Blog Post: Shin Sekai Yori

Watching Shin Sekai Yori brought up a deep discomfort for me, similar to what I felt watching the Netflix show Adolescence. Both shows force us to confront the unsettling idea of children becoming violent—but where Adolescence searches for causes and ways society might do better, Shin Sekai Yori seems more concerned with control and prevention at all costs. The society in the anime responds to potential child violence not with compassion or understanding, but with ruthless discipline and surveillance. Rather than asking why a child might snap, it asks how to make sure they never get the chance.

What bothered me most is how the anime portrays children as inherently dangerous. Instead of being born innocent, they are born suspicious—always a potential threat to be monitored, tested, and, if necessary, eliminated. This worldview felt incredibly cold and even hopeless. I believe kids are not born evil—evil is learned, and it often reflects the failures of the society around them. The way the society in Shin Sekai Yori reacts—killing children who don’t fit or don’t develop powers—seems to just repeat the violence they claim to be preventing. It’s not a real solution. It’s fear pretending to be order.

This connects back to real-world issues in Japan and globally, especially how both cultures increasingly monitor children and teens instead of truly supporting them. The Shonen A case in Japan or school shootings in the US—as mentioned in the lectures—created real fear, but that fear sometimes leads to policies of surveillance and control rather than empathy or change. They often overlook questioning why a child got to that level of violence and hate in the first place. What are we, as a society, doing wrong that a child even gets to that low of a point?

[animatedworldblog]

Psycho Pass

This piece of anime was really interesting and brought a lot of different ideas to mind while watching it. The idea that someone can scan your mind is a crazy concept and one that could scare a lot of people. Having someone read my mind is something I'd never imagine to even be possible. The concept of this is even scarier to think about now with AI coming to life. AI has the potential to do something of this magnitude and can be a scary sight. It's crazy to me how this was considered normal throughout the anime and nobody questioned it. If this was an actual thing in reality, I think the world would crumble. While in some instances it could be used for good, there would be more people using it as a form of corruption of privacy. Akane was an interesting and unique character because she was the one to finally question the system. Her connection between doing the right thing and what everyone else wants is something that I liked. I think a lot of people get caught up with what everyone else is doing and forget about what the right thing actually is. The ending was very interesting because it leaves you off on a cliff hanger. This is a good concept because it gives you the ability to create your own ending. I think shows that end this way are unique because we don't get an ending that we expect rather one that we get to create.

[alexisanimetedworld]

I really liked your analysis, especially your focus on AI and how dangerous unchecked technology can be. I agree—it’s scary to think how fast tech is developing today, and like in Psycho-Pass, it can easily be used to violate privacy. Even now, our data is leaked or sold through platforms we trust, and most people don’t even realize it. I also liked your point about doing what's right. People often get caught up in their own comfort and wants because it is easy. Speaking out and standing up for what is right can feel scary, especially when you feel like you are alone. Like Akane, it takes courage to step out of line and do what’s right, especially when everyone else is too comfortable to act.