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[mskelton4]

Your Name / Hetalia: Axis Powers / Sensōron

Watching Your Name, Hetalia: Axis Powers, and reading Sensōron in close succession to each other made for a truly jarring collection of tone and perspective: romantic fantasy, satirical comedy, and hardline political rhetoric. They all deal with identity in such different manners, and that's what struck me the most. Your Name was so human and relatable despite the supernatural premise. The body-swapping and time-bending romance is framed in themes of memory, fate, and the fragility of human connection. What impressed me most was the way it balances rural and urban Japan, a subtle tension between tradition and modernity without allowing either to "be the enemy." I could relate to desiring a connective that bridges both physical and temporal distance, and the disaster subplot of the film reminded me of how communities react to crisis, something universally applicable in our era of climate change. Hetalia: Axis Powers takes a completely different approach, anthropomorphizing nations into caricatured extremes. It's absurd and humorous, yet beneath the humor lies a reminder of how history gets reduced and rewritten depending on who's doing the telling. As someone who grew up on internet meme culture, I was in a position to appreciate the absurdity, yet I was also aware of how its stereotypes risked facilitating superficial or even problematic understandings of nations and historical events. Then came Sensōron, which was probably the most striking of all. Reading it after the other two made me wonder at how media use is used not only to entertain, but to rewrite or push back entire histories. I had fascination from the media-literacy standpoint over its rhetorical techniques, and simultaneously, yet were made uneasy by the fact that such persuasive visual rhetoric, even when deeply flawed in their claims, could easily steal anyone's show. These works together made me recall that Japanese media, as with that of any nation, is a mirror, a funhouse reflection, or a conscious distortion of cultural identity and history. And I believe  it is for the viewer to determine which is the case.

[ayamimouni]

I agree, watching Your Name, Hetalia, and Sensōron back to back really showed how different their tones and messages are. Your Name mixed fantasy with emotions that felt real. I liked how it showed both rural and city life in Japan without making one seem better. The comet disaster made me think about how quickly life can change and how people unite in hard times.

Hetalia was funny and over the top, especially if you’re used to online meme culture, but it also simplified history a lot. The jokes can be clever, but they risk giving people a shallow view of events or reinforcing stereotypes if you don’t look deeper.

Sensōron felt completely different, serious and direct, with no comedy or romance to soften its message. It was interesting from a media literacy view because of how persuasive it was, even when the arguments were flawed.

I agree with your point that media can be a mirror, a distortion, or both. These works showed me how stories shape how we see history and identity, and how important it is to question what we’re shown and notice what’s missing.

[ayamimouni]

Your Name / Hetalia: Axis Powers / Sensōron

Watching Your Name, Hetalia: Axis Powers, and reading Sensōron made me realize how many different ways a story can look at the same big ideas, like identity, history, and how the past shapes us.

Your Name pulled me in emotionally right away. On the surface, it’s a love story with a supernatural twist, but it also made me think about loss and connection in a bigger sense. The comet disaster reminded me of real events like the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. It showed how quickly life can change and how tragedy can bring people together or push them apart. It made me think about times in my own life when something unexpected made me see the people around me in a new way.

Hetalia: Axis Powers had a totally different vibe. It’s lighthearted and funny, turning countries into characters with exaggerated personalities. While it’s entertaining, I noticed how it simplifies history and sometimes leans on stereotypes. It made me think about how people often make quick judgments based on nationality or background. I’ve experienced that myself, being part of different groups means I see both the humor and the limits of those labels.

Sensōron was the most serious of the three. It’s a direct reflection on war, nationalism, and their consequences. Reading it after Hetalia made me more aware of how the tone of a story changes how we remember events. Comedy can make history easier to approach, but it can also leave out the hard truths.

Together, these works showed me that Japan’s history and global connections can be told in very different ways, tragic, funny, and reflective. All of them are valid in their own way, but none tell the whole story. It reminded me that to really understand history, we need to look at it from more than one angle.

[vannahxd1]

"Do not be afraid": Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Kon'nichiwa!

I watched a fantastic Studio Ghibli movie this week, and I really want to delve into it for today's blog post. Starting outfrom the characters to the plot, the whole film was just so excellent; I had to give it a round of applause.

In Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Nausicaa's character was such a powerful character that it is the best way to describe her. She had a beautiful spirit, personality, and a power for befriending and calming people and animals. She acts Christlike when she says "do not be afraid" with her arms in a cross, causing people and animals to trust her and calm down. I loved the way that the movie used Naussica to unite the nations as well as humans and nature. I preferred this movie over Spirited Away, but all the Ghibli movies are awesome. The Studio Ghibli animation is so iconic and adds another level of immersion. 

The environment of the movie felt light most of the time, perhaps because of the warm love that comes from Nausicaa, as well as the people in the Valley and all the heartwarming connections. It kept me entranced for the whole movie, and I loved that aspect of this movie.

The movie was not only light but also deep through the conflict and symbols. Making connections from the toxic world and sicknesses from the anime to climate change and other diseases that arise from polluted water and air.

Now, as for Xenoblade Chronicles 2, I absolutely loved the plot twists and animation. The titans were cute, especially the grandpa. I was confused at first how we move from the cloud to water, then I realized it was a cloud sea, which is so cool, but scary at the same time, because you can't see what's in the water. The movements of the animation and the games' different environments also immersed me. This game had similarities to Nausicca, but the main difference here is that nature doesn't repair itself, and there is no Christ-like figure; it was just human intervention, which showed me a different perspective. 

Thanks for reading, さようなら, Sayōnara.

[ayamimouni]

You brought up a lot of cool points I didn’t think of, especially about Nausicaa being a Christ like figure, the “do not be afraid” moment with her arms out really stuck with me too, and I hadn’t made that connection until now. Her calm, peaceful energy definitely brought a sense of warmth to the movie, even when things were tense or dangerous.

I also agree with you about the animation. Studio Ghibli always finds a way to make even polluted, ruined worlds look beautiful. The way you described the Valley and the bond between the people and Nausicaa helped me appreciate how much love there is in that community, and how rare that is in post apocalyptic stories.

And I loved what you said about Xenoblade Chronicles 2 too! The cloud sea was such a unique concept, I was confused at first too, but once I realized it was like an ocean in the sky, I was hooked. I hadn’t thought about how different it is from Nausicaa n that there’s no nature fixing itself or magical savior, just humans trying to survive and fix things themselves. That contrast really adds depth to both stories.

[ayamimouni]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Watching Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 made me think a lot about how we treat nature and the world around us. Both of them take place in broken, dangerous worlds, but they also show that there’s still hope if people are willing to change.

In Nausicaa, the forest and giant insects at first seem scary, but they’re actually trying to clean up all the pollution people caused. I thought it was cool how Nausicaä didn’t want to destroy the forest, she tried to understand it. That made me think about how, in real life, we always try to control nature, but maybe we need to learn how to live with it instead. With everything going on today , like climate change and pollution, this story feels even more real.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 felt more emotional for me. Even though the world is fantasy, the characters deal with real stuff like loss, responsibility, and trying to stay hopeful. It reminded me of times when my friends and I were going through hard things but still tried to support each other. The main characters never give up, and that really stuck with me.

Both of these stories made me think about what kind of future we’re creating. Are we just repeating the same mistakes, or are we going to actually do better? I don’t know the answer, but these shows made me want to care more, about the world, and about the people in it.

[syius1311]

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Something I found interesting about Neon Genesis Evangelion is that while Shinji, Asuka, and Rei have similar backgrounds, their characteristics and personalities turned out to be completely different, especially between Asuka and Shinji. Asuka’s mother participated in and survived a contact experiment with Unit-02. However, she has gone insane ever since, recognizing Asuka’s doll as her daughter. Then, Asuka found her mother’s dead body the day she was elected as an Eva pilot.  During Asuka's mother’s funeral, Asuka told her grandma that she now has to take care of herself; therefore, she couldn’t cry. She hides all her emotions that would be considered weak or vulnerable and adopts hegemonic masculinity. This is Asuka’s way to survive in society.

Shinji, on the other hand, chose a different path. Shinji’s mother passed away in an experiment with Unit-01, and shortly after his mother’s death, his father abandoned him. This causes Shinji to be fear of being left behind. Rather than questioning his father, Shinji blames everything on himself; he believes that his father left him because he’s not good enough. This then leads Shinji to become a people pleaser. The constant thought of he’s not being good enough led him to adopt queer masculinity. However, because of the traits of queer masculinity, they’re often looked down on by the hegemonic masculinity. This further shattered Shinji’s confidence. Although he’s desperate for people's attention and love, he refuses to let other people get near him or try to love others. 

Unlike Asuka or Shinji, Rei is a clone of Shinji’s mother. At the start of the series, Rei shows no emotion except for Shinji’s father. She’s rational and independent, which are typical traits for hegemonic masculinity. As the story continues, Rei begins to show emotions to other characters, even the emotions that are typically viewed to be fragile. Even though Rei starts as a hegemonic masculinity character, she eventually adopts some traits of queer masculinity. 

[ayamimouni]

You brought up some really cool points about the characters. I never thought about how Shinji, Asuka, and Rei all had messed-up pasts but turned out so different. What you said about Asuka was really powerful. It makes sense that after everything with her mom, she decided to shut down her emotions and act tough to protect herself. That moment at the funeral, where she said she had to take care of herself, really shows how alone she felt even as a kid.

I also liked how you explained Shinji. He always blames himself and wants people to like him, but it just makes things worse for him. I hadn’t thought about his behavior as a different kind of masculinity, but your explanation helped me understand why he acts the way he does. He’s scared of being rejected but also pushes people away, which makes everything harder for him.

With Rei, I thought it was interesting how she started out kind of emotionless but slowly began to change. As the show went on, she seemed more human and started to care about others in a quiet way. It’s like all three of them were trying to figure out who they were and how to deal with their pain, but they each did it differently.

[ayamimouni]

Neon Genesis Evangelion / The End of Evangelion

Watching Neon Genesis Evangelion and The End of Evangelion was way more emotional than I expected. I thought it would be just another action anime with robots, but it turned into something really deep and personal. Instead of focusing on the battles, it showed how broken and confused the characters were, especially Shinji.

A lot of the time, it felt like I was watching people who didn’t know how to deal with their feelings. Shinji runs away from problems, Asuka wants attention but pushes people away, and Rei doesn’t even know what she wants. It reminded me of how people in real life hide what they’re feeling or don’t know how to ask for help. I’ve felt that way too, especially during stressful times when I shut down instead of talking about what’s going on.

I think the show reflects real problems in Japan, like people feeling isolated or being expected to stay quiet about their emotions. But it also connects to people everywhere. These days, mental health is something a lot of people struggle with, and this anime shows that in a raw and honest way.

The End of Evangelion especially hit hard, it was confusing, dark, and honestly kind of overwhelming. But it made me think. The world ending and everyone blending together felt like a symbol for how much people want to be understood but are scared to open up.

Even though the show was hard to watch at times, I’m glad I did. It made me reflect on myself and how I deal with emotions. It didn’t have a happy ending, but it felt real.

[grandiosekaiju]

Gender Roles and Expectations in Popular Media: Sailor Moon, Aggretsuko, Wandering Son

Unlike most of the other animes that are part of this class, I had actually heard of Sailor Moon before, but never got around to watching any of the episodes before. After watching the episodes, I can definitely say that it was a very pleasent watch. The way that the intro and the anime overall is portrayed lyrically, instrumentally, and stylistically really drove me deep within the world of Usagi. I can definitely relate to some aspects of Usagi's life as there are numerous struggles that she has to overcome, such as her academics and relationship with her family on top of the monsters she has to fight as well, but she always finds a way to stay on top of the game and conquer any challenge that falls before her. Though I have never struggled with any of these aspects personally, I can certainly relate to the ability to overcome struggles effectively, with motivation if needed from trusted individuals. This anime overall, like similar shows and movies from this time period, is a highlight in regards to the power of which girls contain, going against standard norms that men are the stronger and bigger gender whereas women are much softer and thinner gender, to which I can heavily respect.

Similar to the other animes within the course, with a few exceptions, I had never heard of nor watched Aggretsuko and Wandering Son, but I can definitely see aspects within the lives of general folks, but also some parts of me within each character. With Aggretsuko, there are two main aspects of which I can relate to: the stressful workday and the relieving all tensions and struggles later on in the night. This is especially true in working environments that are common in Japan as many workers are forced to work very long shifts and do not get much free time and are meant to shine as beacons of light for the company, ensuring all aspects are properly taken care of by the end of the day. I too can relate to this as I have had very stressful work days and just needed to release any bottled-up emotions I had by the end of the day through methods such as meditation and gaming. With Wandering Son, I could not really see anything that immediately struck me as a motif I can relate to, but there are definitely people who struggle with their assigned birth and the gender they wish to become. In places like the United States, Japan, and a lot of other Asian and Middle Eastern countries, there is a strong push towards equality of trans people, but there are also tons of efforts to force them out of their beliefs to being trans openly. I have listened to numerous news reports over various mediums such as TV and radio that report on the issues of trans people, particularly in sports, and the ways of which society can go around and discuss these matters.

[ayamimouni]

I really liked reading your post, especially how you connected to Usagi’s journey in Sailor Moon. Even though you haven’t faced the same challenges she has, I thought it was cool how you still related to her drive to overcome obstacles. I also agree that the show does a great job of showing the strength of girls in a way that breaks gender stereotypes. Usagi might be clumsy and emotional, but she’s also powerful and determined, which is what makes her so relatable.

Your thoughts on Aggretsuko really stood out to me too. That feeling of needing to let go after a long, stressful day is something I’ve felt a lot, especially with work or school. I liked how you mentioned meditation and gaming as your way of coping, it’s interesting how everyone has their own version of Retsuko’s karaoke.

With Wandering Son, I understand what you meant. Even if we don’t personally relate to the characters’ gender identity struggles, it’s still important to recognize how real and difficult those experiences are for others. I think your point about how different parts of the world treat trans people was really important and something we should talk about more.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, you made some great points that gave me a lot to think about too.

[ayamimouni]

Sailor Moon / Aggretsuko / Wandering Son

Watching Sailor Moon, Aggretsuko, and Wandering Son really made me think about how people deal with identity and pressure, both in Japan and around the world. Each show had something that stuck with me.

Sailor Moon reminded me how important it is to see strong female characters, especially when you're young. The girls in the show are emotional, funny, and brave all at once. It made me realize how rare that was in the shows I watched growing up. It was nice seeing a group of girls who support each other while also saving the world.

Aggretsuko was super relatable. Even though the characters are animals, the story felt real, especially the way Retsuko tries to be polite and hold it all in at work. I’ve seen people in my life do the same, pretending everything’s fine even when they’re stressed. Her death metal karaoke made me laugh, but it also showed how hard it can be to deal with that kind of pressure.

Wandering Son was really emotional. Watching the characters try to understand who they are and how they want to be seen hit me hard. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to go through something like that so young, especially when people don’t understand you. It made me think more about how gender identity is handled, not just in Japan but here too, and how people just want to be accepted for who they are.

All three shows had different vibes, but they each said something real about growing up, being yourself, and dealing with the world around you.

[hmwagner]

Convention

One of my favorite conventions I've attended was Wasabicon in Jacksonville, Florida. I drove from Orlando to Jacksonville with a group of friends for the weekend, and we stayed at an Airbnb together. This particular group of friends and I have attended a convention or two a year since we were in middle school together. Although I have many interests, I've always enjoyed the sense of community that my friends and I share at these events. Talking about anime, superheroes, and Pokémon with my friends provides me with a safe space to express myself.

At Wasabicon, I was able to partake in or witness varying fan activities. One activity I enjoyed was collecting. I bought a lot of merchandise, but I was also able to trade and collect Pokémon cards. One of the vendors and I got wrapped up in conversation about the new Scarlet and Violet game, and he ended up giving me really nice cards to take for free. Out of kindness and community, he took part in giving me such a memorable experience. Additionally, I had never actually battled or competed with my Pokémon cards before. I found some groups of people battling, and asked them if I could watch and learn how to play. They accepted me with no questions asked, and even gave me beginner tips to start my own battle deck. Once again, another moment I was made to feel overly accepted in the community, and a moment I still look back on fondly. Because of this, every now and then I battle at my local card shop, and have been encouraged to make new like-minded friends at fan events.

Another really great opportunity conventions like Wasabicon provide are panels. Fans, creators, and casts can discuss media they are working on and consuming in front of an audience, and there's typically time for audience feedback and questions. This is a really cool way I've gotten to know some of my favorite actors and creators better. At Wasabicon, I was able to attend a panel featuring Vincent D'Onofrio and Charlie Cox from Daredevil. I was definitely a little bit starstruck to see them sitting so close to me, but it was an awesome experience. I was also able to sit in on a Tara Strong panel, and I got to watch her do some of her most iconic voices, such as Timmy Turner from Fairly Odd Parents and Bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls. I was able to ask questions to each of these celebrities, and it was a way for fans to openly participate and "meet" people they might've looked up to since they were even kids.

One aspect I enjoyed at Wasabicon was the friendly competition. Fans can compete in various competitions such as trivia, video game tournaments, cosplay competitions, and more. One of my favorite competitions to sit in on is cosplay competitions. Seeing the incredible costumes fans can create, and the amount of time it takes to create the most intricate details, enamors me. It's so cool to see people care about a game, movie, or show so much that they take the time and effort to make a really elaborate costume. I've even taken pictures with cosplayers I thought were particularly cool and followed some of them on Instagram. As for other competitions, one I enjoyed taking part in was a Mario Double Dash tournament. My boyfriend and I were able to win one of the days we were there, and we got a $100 reward. It was very quickly invested into more merchandise, but it was still a fun experience nonetheless.

The sense of community and self-expression featured in my Wasabicon story relates back to our watching of Genshiken. The club can connect over their shared interests in fandom, and the club operates as a safe space for the members away from judgment. The fan behaviors I exhibited and watched are pointed out in the Fiske readings, for example, collecting, cosplay, and enunciation productivity.

[ayamimouni]

Your Wasabicon story was so fun to read! It’s awesome that you’ve been going to cons with the same friends since middle school, that kind of tradition makes the experience even better.

The part about the Pokémon vendor giving you cards was super wholesome. It shows how kind and welcoming fan communities can be. I also loved how you jumped into the battles and people were happy to help you learn. That’s what makes cons feel so inclusive.

Seeing panels with people like Vincent D’Onofrio, Charlie Cox, and Tara Strong must’ve been so cool, I'm jealous you got to ask them questions too.

And congrats on winning the Mario Double Dash tournament, Even if the money went straight to merch, it sounds like a blast. You did a great job tying it all back to Genshiken and the readings, fandom really is about community and self-expression

[ayamimouni]

Convention

This year, I went to MegaCon in Orlando, and it was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had as an anime fan. I’ve always seen videos and pictures of people going to big conventions, but actually being there in person was a whole different feeling. The second I walked into the Orange County Convention Center, I could tell I was in a space where everyone felt free to be themselves.

There were so many people dressed up as characters from anime, games, and comics. Some outfits were simple, and some were super detailed, but everyone was excited to show off what they made or bought. I even saw a whole group of people dressed as characters from Attack on Titan, and people kept running up to take pictures with them. No one was judging anyone, everyone was just having fun and connecting over the things they love.

In class, we’ve talked about how fandom isn’t just liking a show or movie. It’s also a way people express who they are. That really hit me at MegaCon. I saw fans of all ages and backgrounds, some were shy, some were super outgoing, but everyone had something in common. Whether it was a Naruto headband or a full on My Hero Academia costume, people were showing parts of themselves that they usually might hide in everyday life. For some, it looked like this was the one place they felt truly comfortable.

I went to a panel where anime voice actors shared how they got into the industry and how much their characters mean to them. It reminded me that anime isn’t just stories, it’s something people connect to on a deeper level. I’ve definitely felt that too. Watching certain shows helped me feel seen, especially during times when I felt a little lost or different. Being around people who also felt that way made me feel like I wasn’t alone.

Another cool thing was walking through the artist section. There were tables full of fan-made posters, pins, stickers, and keychains. I bought a hand drawn Sailor Moon print that I love. It showed me how creative fans can be, not just watching anime, but also making things inspired by it. It’s like we’re part of the story too. That made me realize how much fans add to the community, not just the creators.

One moment that really stood out to me was seeing a little girl dressed as Nezuko from Demon Slayer. She looked so happy every time someone asked to take her photo. Her mom was smiling too, and you could just feel the joy in that moment. It reminded me that fandom can be something families and friends share, no matter their age.

MegaCon made me feel more connected to the anime community than ever before. It wasn’t just a place to buy stuff or see cool costumes. It was a space where people could be their true selves, meet others who understand them, and just enjoy the things they love without fear of judgment. It showed me that fandom is more than a hobby, it’s a way people find confidence, friendship, and even a sense of who they are.

[mskelton4]

Genshiken

Watching Genshiken felt oddly personal. At first, I thought it would be just a goofy club anime about otaku, but it turned into something more layered. The characters are socially awkward, deeply passionate, and sometimes painfully real. What stood out to me was how it didn't mock them but it portrayed their love for manga, games, and cosplay as something that gave them identity and community. It reminds me of some of my friends at UF. Episodes from Season 2, 10 and 11, where Madarame wrestles with his feelings for Saki, definitely hit. It wasn't about the romance but about vulnerability, how hard it is to express emotion when you've grown used to hiding behind fiction. I think a lot of people, not just in Japan, turn to fandom as a safe space. But Genshiken shows that even in those spaces, it's hard to be honest. The club's dynamic is also a subtle commentary on Japan's social norms. There's this pressure to conform, to be productive, to grow out of "childish" things. But Genshiken challenges that. It says it's okay to be a fan, to care deeply about something, and to find your people. That message felt universal. Tamaki Saito's concept of the "otaku" as someone who escapes from a painful reality into fiction really came to life here. But Genshiken also shows that fiction isn't just escape, it can be connection. And sometimes, that's enough. Episode 9 and OVA 1 also highlight the tension between reality and performance, especially through cosplay and the character's awkward social interactions. Those moments reminded me that identity isn't fixed but its something you negotiate, sometimes through trial and error. Genshiken might be niche, but it captures a kind of quiet emotional truth that lingers longer than you expect.

[ayamimouni]

I really liked what you said about Genshiken feeling personal, I felt the same way. At first, I thought it would just be a funny anime about nerds hanging out, but it actually had a lot of depth. Madarame’s moments in Season 2, especially when he struggles with his feelings for Saki, really hit me too. It wasn’t just about love, but about how hard it is to open up when you’ve gotten used to hiding behind games or stories.

I also thought your point about fandom being a safe space was really true. A lot of people turn to those things to feel understood, but even in those groups, being honest is tough. Genshiken shows that really well.

I liked how you brought up Japan’s social pressure too. There’s this idea that you have to grow out of the things you love, but this anime kind of says the opposite, it’s okay to be passionate and to find people who get you. It felt really relatable, even outside of Japan.

The cosplay parts and the characters' awkward moments also stood out to me. They show how we figure out who we are, sometimes by trying things out or messing up. Genshiken might seem like a niche show, but it really gets at something real.

[ayamimouni]

Genshiken

Watching Genshiken felt really different from most anime I’ve seen. It wasn’t about big action or fantasy, it was just a group of students who love anime, manga, and games. What I liked most was how real the characters felt. They were awkward, unsure of themselves, and sometimes afraid of being judged for the things they liked. I could relate to that a lot.

Even though I’m not super into anime clubs or fan circles, I’ve definitely held back from sharing things I enjoy because I was worried people wouldn’t get it. Seeing the characters in Genshiken slowly become more comfortable with who they are made me think about how important it is to find people who accept you for you.

The show also made me think about how society (especially in Japan, but also around the world) puts pressure on people to fit in. Some characters in the group feel left out or judged, especially the girls, and it reminded me that even in “nerdy” spaces, people can still feel excluded. That’s something I’ve seen happen in real life too, where people get told they’re not “real fans.”

What I took away from Genshiken is how important it is to have a space where you can be yourself. The group wasn’t perfect, but they still supported each other and shared what they loved. That kind of community really matters.

Genshiken wasn’t dramatic or intense, but it felt honest. It made me think about my own interests and the people I feel most myself around. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, but it left a real impression on me.

[vannahxd1]

Best Anime Combo: Naruto / Wolf Children / A Silent Voice

Greeting everyone!

Firstly, the anime for this week were tearjerkers! I cried extremely easily and way too much watching these three anime.

Starting with Naruto, the emotional resonance behind seeing how he was looked down upon, and after watching the anime previously and seeing what he went through to become the hero of the village and later the world, was powerful. I never made a connection to discrimination while watching Naruto before, but after seeing it from a different perspective, I saw the villagers' higher-ups very differently. Seeing how Naruto pushed past all the hatred of those around him and shone even brighter was inspiring. 

Moving on to Wolf Children, I couldn't see the direction of the movie at first, where the couple was happy, but then [Spoiler] the father would die, and I was astounded. I can understand the single mother, and I empathize with her because I have a single mother, so I can see how she struggles raising two wolf children. This also deeply relates to the real world, but I love how she finds a village and community in the farming town. The children were adorable, and the mother never gave up, no matter what. That's another point that can be applied to those who suffer from discrimination: to never give up.

Lastly, "A Silent Voice," I felt like I had seen it before, but I didn't remember most of the movie, so it was like a new experience filled with tears at the end, although I knew what was coming. There were various literaryliterary devices used here,, and a lot of metaphors,, such as the breaking of the egg. I noticed the different metaphors in this anime, where Shoya covered his ears and closed his eyes as a kid to shut out the world,, which is similar to how Shoko was also cut offbecause she was unable to hear very well. The discrimination and bullying this anime showed was very realistic of how it might be in schools and how there are sometimes no barriers put in place to help people who appear to be "different," and this has to change.

10/10 ANIMES

Thanks for reading, さようなら, Sayōnara.

[ayamimouni]

I felt the same way, these anime definitely hit hard emotionally. I’ve seen Naruto before too, but watching it this time made me notice things I didn’t pick up on before. The way the villagers treated him really does feel like a form of discrimination, and it made me respect his character even more. It’s amazing how he stayed strong and didn’t let their hate break him.

Wolf Children got to me in a different way. I really liked how you mentioned the connection to single motherhood, I also saw that and thought about how hard that must be in real life. Hana’s strength and patience stood out, especially when she had to raise two kids who didn’t really fit in anywhere. The fact that she kept going, even through loss and change, was so powerful.

And A Silent Voice, that one just wrecked me. I love what you said about the metaphors. Shoya shutting himself off from the world really did mirror what Shoko was going through. The way the anime showed bullying felt very real, and it reminded me how easy it is for schools to ignore these things. You’re right, it has to change. No one should feel that alone just because they’re different.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It really helped me see things from a new angle.

[ayamimouni]

Naruto / Wolf Children / A Silent Voice

Watching Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice really made me think about life in a deeper way. Even though each anime had a different story, they all touched on things like feeling left out, growing up, and learning how to care for others. These are problems people face all over the world, not just in Japan.

In Naruto, I really connected with how he felt alone and unwanted at first. The way people avoided him reminded me of how some people in real life get judged or ignored for things they didn’t choose. Naruto kept trying, though, and it made me think about times in my own life when I had to stay strong even when things felt unfair.

Wolf Children showed a different kind of struggle, being a parent and letting your kids figure out who they are. Watching Hana raise her kids on her own was powerful. It made me think of my mom and how hard she worked to give us a good life, even when things were tough. That kind of quiet strength really hit home for me.

A Silent Voice was probably the one that hit me the hardest. The story about bullying and trying to make things right was really emotional. It made me think about times when I could have spoken up for someone but didn’t. It reminded me how important it is to be kind because we never really know what someone else is going through.

All three anime made me reflect on my own life and how I want to grow as a person. They showed that even through pain and mistakes, people can change, and that’s something I’ll carry with me.

[vannahxd1]

'You can whine to the maggots when you're dead and buried.'

Hello everyone! I heard a fantastic quote from the anime of this week, Shin Sekai Yori or "From The New World". Kiromaru says, "You can whine to the maggots when you're dead and buried," while he and the two protagonists try to kill the Ogre that is trying to kill them. This quote means to keep trying everything and anything, and don't give up until the very end, because "Nothing is lost by trying.”

Shin Sekai Yori was an anime that confused me at first about its direction, and at the end of the episode, I was so shocked about the disappearance of children, the psychokinetic powers, and their society that I had to rewatch the episode. But after the first two episodes, I was grossly enamored with the anime that I stayed up until 2 am watching, it was like a book you couldn't put down. From learning about the individual characters to trying to uncover the secrets behind their society and this "new world" as a whole, just made my mind race.

We learn in a couple of episodes that the monster rats trying to overthrow society were actually mutated humans. So I now see their rebellion from a human perspective. In a different scenario, we humans might become subservient to, say, aliens because they possess more power than we do, thereby ensuring our survival. Alternatively, consider the relationship between colonists and natives and how some were subservient for survival for their tribe, and in the context of the monster rats, their colonies. But at some point, they decide enough is enough and decide to revolt to claim freedom and equality by going to war. The monster rats end up having their own Department on the Education Committee to control them because they are now something that the board fears and wants to control through more regulation and discipline. Another fear of the Education Committee was Ogres and Karmic Demons, which led to a tremendous amount of death among children, and it became normalized when students disappeared and were forgotten.

Everything is caused by a never-ending cycle of fear, which makes one side crave more control to feel a sense of security by increasing discipline and regulation with death and a new education system. However, as long as the object of that fear remains, there will never be an end to the cycle.

Thanks for reading, さようなら, Sayōnara.

[ayamimouni]

That quote from Kiromaru stood out to me too, it was intense and really showed how desperate they were to survive. It reminded me that sometimes you just have to keep pushing, even when things seem hopeless. I also felt a bit confused at first watching Shin Sekai Yori, but once things started to come together, I was hooked. I get what you mean about staying up late to keep watching, it’s one of those stories that pulls you in the more you learn about the world and characters. The part about the Monster Rats being mutated humans really changed how I saw them too. Your comparison to colonization made a lot of sense. Sometimes people or groups are forced to follow stronger powers just to survive, but eventually they want freedom and fight back. It’s hard not to sympathize with them after that.

[ayamimouni]

Shin Sekai Yori

Watching Shin Sekai Yori really shook me. At first, the world looks calm and peaceful, with small villages and kids learning to use psychic powers. But underneath, it’s terrifying. The society kills its own children to keep things under control. That hit me hard because it reminds me of how some places, even in real life, pretend everything is fine while hiding awful truths.

It also feels very real when you think about the world today. The way the elders lie about history to control people reminded me of governments or groups that rewrite the past to justify violence or stay in power. The part where humans treat the Queerats as animals, only to reveal they’re actually humans, felt like a clear metaphor for racism and discrimination. It made me think about how easy it is to see people as “less than” if it helps us feel safe or in control.

Personally, I found it disturbing how the main characters, even Saki, end up accepting the system once they learn the reasons behind it. It made me wonder if I’d do the same. I think everyone compromises sometimes, maybe not in such extreme ways, but we all look the other way or make excuses for things we know are wrong.

It reminded me of dystopian stories I’ve read where society trades freedom for safety. The anime shows how hard it is to have both. While it has a very Japanese focus on the group over the individual, the message is universal. It left me thinking about what any society is willing to sacrifice to stay “peaceful,” and whether we’re honest about those sacrifices. Overall, it was haunting, but also made me reflect on my own choices and the world around me.

[imkindacoolngl]

Psycho-Pass

Watching the end of Psycho-Pass made me realize something strange: the world in the anime isn't far off from the real world. The concept of a system scanning people's movements and classifying them as safe or dangerous based on a mind scan seemed extreme and far-fetched, which is perfect for a sci-fi anime. However, that's when I realized there are many connections to our real world. We are constantly being monitored not just by cameras but also by algorithms, expectations, school, and peer pressure. It makes us feel safe and secure, and it feels normal. Seeing this system from a third-person viewpoint opens up the idea of self-discipline we put on ourselves without realizing it. 

I was fascinated by how the dominators work. I love to find the extreme and powerful guns in video games, and the fact that the dominator can scan someone's mental state and transform to decide whether they live or die seemed like a great idea. It was so cool to see it in action, but as I continued watching, I saw all the problems it posed. I want to point out that in the lecture, the gun was the one killing the criminals, not the officers. That's terrifying, efficient, yes, but it removes context, empathy, and human choice. It is so common for the officers that even Akane doesn't feel wrong using it, despite being a recruit. It makes you wonder how much power the sybil system has, and how much freedom was taken from the people. 

The last thing that stuck out to me was that it didn't feel like Akane's story; it felt more like Kogami is the one who drives the story. He pushes the crime cases forward. He figures them all out before everyone else. He also breaks away from Sibyl during the story, showing that he is playing both sides, for example, when he wanted to kill the criminal who was stealing the avatars. He also feels that he has a connection to Makishima. The event was so huge to him that he dreams of it in his apartment, showing he still recalls the event and regrets his action, despite being too wounded to do what he wanted to do. 

Overall, Psycho-Pass was a terrific sci-fi thriller set in a unique cyberpunk future, but its message highlights how our justice, freedom, and other fundamental rights are being controlled.

[ayamimouni]

I really enjoyed your post. I felt the same way watching Psycho-Pass. At first, the Sybil System seemed super sci-fi, but then I realized we’re also judged and watched all the time by cameras, social media, and even other people’s expectations.

I also thought the Dominator was so cool at first, like something from a game, but then it hit me how scary it is that it decides who lives or dies with no human choice.

Good point about Kogami too. He really drives the story and challenges the system in ways Akane doesn’t. I think that tension is what makes the show so interesting. It really makes you think about freedom and control in our own world.