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[alisasinel]

Your Name/ Hetalia: Axis Powers/ Sensōron

As I think about how anime has the power to shape the way we look at history, culture, and even our own relationships, three works come to mind: Your Name, Hetalia: Axis Powers, and Sensōron. They seem totally different in tone, but collectively, they offer a compelling picture of the way stories handle identity and connection.

Your Name is so intimate. It is about two people whose lives intersect via time and space, but also touches on something deeper, how communities recover from loss and tragedy. The comet in the film is not a deus ex machina; it's a symbol of human vulnerability and the strength of memory. Seeing it, I felt as if the film was just urging us to bridge gaps, between people, places, and even time, because it is through such bridges that history becomes meaningful.

Hetalia: Axis Powers is almost the opposite in tone. Light-hearted, satirical, and full of national personifications, it satirizes stereotypes with the interweaving of historical references. Beneath its humor, it plays with notions of nationalism, historical alliances, and tensions between nations. It makes history accessible, though it also reminds me how humor can turn away from how terrible the past can be or even quietly cover it up.

Sensōron is more direct and harder-hitting in its treatment of war memory and the histories nations have regarding their involvement in the past. It doesn't sugarcoat it like Hetalia does. Instead, it leads the audience to critical reflection on responsibility, victimhood, and how history is created. Having watched Hetalia, watching Sensōron is like going from a cartooned doodle to a pure, uncut, straight-forward conversation about the same subject.

The most interesting to me is how all three are present on different planes of emotion. Your Name taps into empathy on an individual plane, Hetalia uses humor to deal with the embarrassment of history, and Sensōron engages in political thought about remembrance. Together, they show that not only do media entertain, but it also tells us how we imagine nations, relationships, and our presence within history. Whether by romance, satire, or frank confrontation, all these pieces leave us speculating about what we choose to remember and why.

[cooperhardy]

Hey Alisa!! Really good blog post as usual. I thought it was really cool how you framed the three works as operating on “different planes of emotion.” I ddint think about that and it was really eye opening. And I totally agree with your take on Hetalia, it really does downplay the seriousness of events. I like how you ended by asking what we choose to remember and why. That question feels like the common thread between all three works, no matter how different their tones are. It’s a reminder that whether we tell our stories through romance, comedy, or blunt truth, the way we shape history in art says just as much about us as the events themselves. Good luck on your final exams! Hope you had fun in this class.

[cooperhardy]

Final Blog Post

Wow! Your Name was so good! Such an awesome movie. Definitely, one of my favorites that we have watched so far, right up there with Spirited Away. The plot was so cool, and the characters and everything was awesome. I think a major theme in the story is processing disaster through art. The comet in the story is fictiona,l but it resonates with the real-world experience of loss and rebuilding, which is not unique to Japan but felt global whenever communities face sudden tragedy. The coment is really similar to disasters we see in Florida like hurricanes. I think visually the show also does a really good job of contrasting urban and rural Japan, similar to the contrasting urban and rural regions here in the US. The fast pace sprawl of urban life is very opposite of the nice quiet beaty of the rural regions. Even though I have never lived in Japan, I could still connect with that sinc eit is the same in the US. Hetalia - Axis Powers was a lot different than the movie and took on a much different tone. I honestly didnt like it very much and the stereotypes that it used. It's pretty lighthearted, but it still reflects deeper issues about national identity and cultural misunderstandings. I think the comedic approach the show takes does a good job at making history more accessible to the audience, but that causes it to oversimplify and distort, in my opinion. And I think all it does really is just reinforce cliches. I did think it was kinda cool how it made politics seem more like personal friendships or rivalries. While that can be an interesting way to look at history, I think it does downplay the seriousness of a lot of events. Anyways, I would definitely recommend Your Name, and good luck to everybody on the final exam!

[reeseponds]

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

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

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

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

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

[cooperhardy]

Hey Reese! Really good post as always. I really appreciated your post, especially the way you tied both stories to the concept of the Anthropocene. I agree that Nausicaa makes the human/nature relationship clearer from the start, while “Xenoblade Chronicles 2” takes a bit more time to reveal that relationship. I also liked how you pointed out that both Nausicaa and Rex form special bonds with the world around them. That really made me think about how our own society often ignores the long term effects of how we treat the planet. Your last point really hit home: we often take from nature without thinking about what we’re giving back or what we’re destroying in the process. Looking forward to one more great post from you and good luck on your finals!

[cooperhardy]

Blog Post #9

Wow! This show and the cutscenes were pretty interesting. Both were very different, but I think overall they were connected by the same theme. That being, what happens when human ambition outpaces harmony with nature. I really liked Nausicaa’s character, especially her empathy toward all living beings and her refusal to treat violence as the only solution. I feel like she is a counterargument to how we usually define power, like in most anime where the characters take violent action against whatever the antagonist is. I feel like both protagonists are rebukes of modern consumption-driven societies, with Rex growing into someone who wrestles with the weight of destiny, sacrifice, and ecological destruction. I think in terms of Japan and the world, the show and game are very relevant. Nausicaa was born from postwar fears of nuclear annihilation and ecological ruin, and the decay and toxic spores in the Sea of Corruption feel like metaphors for climate change and pollution. And in the game, the dread about the misuse of science and the commodification of life is very prevalent, just like it is in our world. I feel very connected to these stories. I feel like I’m part of a generation trying to rebuild trust with nature and community after decades of detachment, especially living in Florida, where there are massive movements to try to keep wild Florida wild, despite developers trying to do anything but that. Another thing that stood out to me was how both stories explore the idea of legacy and what we leave behind and how future generations carry the weight of our choices. These stories don’t offer easy answers, but they insist that kindness and curiosity still matter. I think that’s a good place to start. Overall, I would recommend these stories to anyone, especially “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind”.

[tawtakes]

Neon Genesis Evangelion & Masculinity

I actually watched Neon Genesis Evangelion about a year or two ago; While I could understand the beginning half of the series, the latter portions of it left me confused. Upon this second viewing however, I do have some things to say about this anime within the context of masculinity. Shinji down to his very core is a subversion of the typical male shonen protagonist. Even down to the inflection in his voice, he is fundamentally different. While other shonen main protagonists are loud, boisterous, head strong, and confident; Shinji is quiet, to himself, timid, and indecisive. The first 5 episodes put Shinji in very stressful situations that test his ability to conform to hegemonic masculinity and at best he hesitantly complies. For instance, the government is at war with the angels, and the fate of humanity is genuinely at stake, but Shinji does not want to be apart of piloting an Eva. Even at the behest of his father who he desperately wants acceptance from, he doesn’t agree to pilot until seeing Rei’s injured body. In addition to this, Shinji is plagued by indecision, another trait not befitting of hegemonic masculinity. He doesn’t wish to pilot the Eva, but he does. He pilots for a few missions but loses his nerve, so he decides to run away. After leaving however, he shortly returns back to NERV because he wants to feel needed. This constant back and forth with what he truly wishes for himself paired with timid and non-confrontational demeanor leads the characters and audience to perceive him as a boy who represents “queer masculinity”. In my opinion, Shinji shouldn’t need to fit into these arbitrary categories of what defines a man, especially if his goal is to be wanted or cared for. His father is a cold and calculating man who left him for 3 years because to him Shinji was “unneeded”. This left a mental scar on him and most likely affected the way he views masculinity in the first place.

[cooperhardy]

Waddup taw!! I really liked your post and your take on the show. I never thought about the subversion of the typical anime protagonist that Shinji is. I hadn’t thought about his voice and overall demeanor in that context, but it makes total sense. It’s like the show deliberately challenges our expectations of what a “hero” should look like, especially in a society that often equates strength with emotional detachment. I also agree that this doesn't make him weak, but it just makes him more human. This is why I think that Shinji is able to resonate with the viewers more, as he has many flaws and isn't the perfect man like maybe the dude from SAO. Wanting to be needed without having to perform a certain type of masculinity is something a lot of people quietly wrestle with. Big thanks for writing this blog post and hope to see more takes from you in the future!!

[cooperhardy]

Blog Post #8

Wow! I really liked this show and the movie!!! I thought the animation of the show was super sick and super resonant of that 90s anime style. The setting was super cool and was set in the future in a war-ridden Tokyo. I thought the plot was also super interesting, and it was cool to see the fights between the giant robots. I think the setting of the show is tied pretty deeply to post-bubble Japan, given how the characters are unable to feel purpose in a fractured world, which I think is very relevant to today. I think that kinda emotional numbness the characters felt is still present today, even as Japan recovers from the bubble, especially for younger generations dealing with climate dread, economic instability, and social disconnection. The main character, Shinji, who is recruited to fight the evil robots, really struggles to connect with others and has a deep fear of rejection. I think a lot of people in the younger generation feel the same way today. The movie pushed that even further, asking what it means to have an individual self at all. That ending didn’t give clear answers, but I think it’s more about learning to live with the questions.O ne thing I didn’t expect was how much the show made me think about loneliness and how hard it is to really understand other people. Everyone in the show is afraid of getting too close, but also desperate not to be alone, which I really resonate with. It reminded me that even though we all crave connection, it can be terrifying to let people see who we really are. Overall, I would recommend anybody to watch both the show and the movie. Both were way more emotional and thought-provoking than I expected, and were overall entertaining to watch.

[alisasinel]

Convention

Before this class, I had heard of anime conventions and fans' antics, but I never actually sat down and thought deeply about what those conventions were to fans. Since I had never been to a convention in person, I watched True Otaku: The Documentary in order to better understand anime fandom and its connection to youth culture and identity. I was impressed by how much the documentary became an emotional and powerful experience.

What surprised me the most was that conventions are not all about shopping, panels, or cosplay. They're spaces where people can feel safe and accepted for who they are. The documentary followed different fans who in everyday life feel misinterpreted or even unseen, but at a convention, they feel seen. It reminded me of what we learned in class, how fandom is more than just loving a show. It can be a way in which people, and especially young people, may construct their identity and connect with other people who are the same.

Most of the people featured in the documentary reported being bullied or isolated until they discovered anime. Anime was not just a source of entertainment for them. It gave them characters who were just like themselves, who struggled and were also nonconformist. In a society like Japan's, where there is typically pressure to be compliant and successful, anime characters who are not of the same kind can be extremely liberating to fans who also want to break the mold.

One of the things that truly blew me away was how creative fans are. They don't just watch anime. They design their own costumes, sketches, tales, and performances. That struck a chord with the idea we covered in class of the "prosumer," or the individual who is not only a consumer but also a producer. These fans take anime and use it to expose themselves, and it was great to see them so happy and eager to share what they had made.

Watching True Otaku also made me think about my relationship with anime. Even though I have yet to go to a convention, just being part of online fandom communities has shaped the way I think and feel. Whether it's browsing anime pages, reading comments, or simply talking to friends, it gives me this sense of connection. Fandom is not only in spaces. It's in the conversations, the collective excitement, and emotional connections that we form.

Lastly, the documentary revealed that being a fan can also be an act of resistance. Some of the fans discussed how they use anime as a means of escaping school pressures or work pressures. Dressing up or role-playing allows them to express aspects of themselves that they have to keep hidden during everyday life. Even if only for a weekend, it allows individuals a space to feel liberated.

Overall, True Otaku opened my eyes to the world of anime fandom. It's not a question of liking a show. It's about finding yourself, becoming friends, and being you. I wish I could go to a convention one day, but at least I got to see firsthand how strong and special these communities are.

[cooperhardy]

Hey Alisa! Great post as always. I really enjoyed reading your reflection on the documentary. ou did an awesome job highlighting how anime fandom is so much more than just watching shows, its about forming connections. I felt the same way watching the documentary, especially when it showed how conventions gave fans a space to be fully themselves. I also appreciated what you said about fans being "prosumers"; that really came through in the documentary and honestly inspired me. It's wild how people turn their passion into something creative and expressive. I think that creativity is part of what makes anime fandom so powerful, especially for younger people who are still figuring themselves out. Even in a show like “Naruto”, there’s a strong message about staying true to yourself, no matter how the world sees you. That kind of message really resonates with fans, and it's cool how you connected that to the real-world experiences shown in the documentary. Looking forward to more great posts by you! 

[cooperhardy]

Blog Post #7

Hey guys!! When I think about anime fandom and identity, Naruto immediately comes to mind. Not just that Its the only anime that I ha. seen before this class, but a show I really loved and I think helped me grow as a kid. I’ve never been to an anime convention, but Naruto was my own personal gathering point; it was a shared language among friends, a place to escape, and a mirror for who I wanted to become.  A kid who got everything he earned through sheer determination and will. Since I had never been to a convention, I watched the documentary “True Otaku” and it really helped me reflect more critically on how fandoms like Naruto’s serve as more than entertainment, but as spaces for community making. When I first found “Naruto” I watched it because a friend had been telling me how good it was, but I didn’t want to watch it because of the preconceived idea of anime that I already had in my head.  But Naruto really stood out to me. Naruto was always striving to be better, even when people told him he’d never make it. His story wasn’t just about ninja techniques or flashy battles; it was about grit, rejection, and the struggle to be accepted. As we talked in class about youth culture and fandom, I started to realize just how much “Naruto” functioned like a cultural support system. In the same way “True Otaku” describes fans using anime as a coping mechanism or social outlet, I used Naruto as a way to make sense of frustration, ambition, and the need for belonging. The shows themed like hard work beating talent and turning loneliness into stregth became life lessons, and showed that “Naruto” wasnt just a cartoon I watched as a kid. en though I wasn't attending conventions or dressing up, I was still deeply immersed in “True Otaku”. In “True Otaku”, there’s an ongoing debate about whether intense fandom is “escapism” or a meaningful way to process the real world. When Naruto stood up to Sasuke or proved people wrong, it felt like I could too. His journey of going from outcast to hero made me believe that I could grow into something more, just like Naruto did. Going from the social outcast and through sheer hard work, working up to being the leader of the Leaf Village is super awesome! “True Otaku” also discusses the tension between Japanese and Western anime fandoms. Which really hit me, because like what I talked about earlier, there is a real stigma around watching anime in the US. u were either “too obsessed” or seen as childish. But fandom, even in that judgmental environment, gave me pride in being different. I found friends who got the references, who would debate “Naruto vs. Sasuke” and all loved watching the same show I did, which was sick. In the end, Naruto wasn’t just a show, it was a coming-of-age companion. And being part of the fandom, even if just through online interactions and small moments, helped me figure out what kind of person I wanted to be. I wanted to be someone who worked hard for what they got and didn't care what other people thought of them. The determination, the belief in change, the value of friendship arnt just anime cliches, they are lessons that stuck with me long after the final episode. For that reason, I chose to use naruto for my final essa,y and I dont regret it. Coming back to watch the seasons for class and for my final essay I've really grown a deeper appreciation for the show. And may even decide to rewatch the whole thing after this class is over. Watch this show!

[reeseponds]

"Sailor Moon", "Aggretsuko", and "Wandering Son"

The anime “Sailor Moon”, “Aggretsuko”, and “Wandering Son” all have unique approaches to gender performances and femininity. Although they have different storylines, they all follow the main characters who are women. In “Sailor Moon,” Usagi Tsukino runs late for school as usual, and she runs into a cat with a moon shape on its head. Usagi is not a very smart girl, and she is not very good in school, but for some reason, the cat she ran into came into her room and started talking to her. Luna, the cat, gave her a brooch and told her to say, “Moon Prism Power, Make-up,” and she turned into Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon then saved many people from Jadeite and the evil queen. Sailor Moon is depicted as a cute little girl, but when she needs to, she transforms into a superhero who saves the day. However, when she becomes the hero, she is still depicted as very feminine. This relates worldwide because women are seen as vulnerable, not smart, and cute, but people tend to undermine them. They are strong, powerful, and capable of changing the world. 

In “Aggretsuko,” we follow Retuko as she goes to work as an accountant. She does not love her job because her boss is sexist towards her. For example, he mentioned that women are made to clean up after people. She would release her anger at the local karaoke bar and sing heavy metal. I relate to this show because so often I face comments about my gender, whether that be that girls can not be leaders or that girls are meant to stay home and clean. 

In “Wandering Son,” we meet two transgender kids: Yoshino, who is a girl but dresses and acts like a boy, and Shuichi, who is a boy but dresses and acts like a girl. They both try to avoid puberty as much as possible, but eventually they go through puberty, and it makes them even more confused. During this anime, these kids navigate their identity and try to figure out how and if they can be who they genuinely want to be. 

The theory by Judith Butler enhances my understanding of these anime. Whether it be Sailor Moon uses her feminine side to embrace her superhero powers, Retsuko being very lovely and submissive at work, and then going to karaoke to relieve her anger, or the kids in “Wandering Son” figuring out who they are through their gender.

[cooperhardy]

Hey Reese!! Another great post! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on these shows, especially how you found the connection of gender performance in all of these shows. also thought it was powerful how “Sailor Moon” challenges the idea that femininity is a weakness. And I agree that “Wandering Son” shows just how complex and emotional the process of discovering identity can be. Your use of Judith Butler’s theory helped frame everything in a clear and meaningful way. Great job tying those ideas together! Another thing that I found interesting about all of these shows is how they used silence or passivity as a kind of resistance. Usagi, Retsuko, and Shuichi are all quiet in different ways, but that doesn’t mean they’re weak. Really great post, and looking forward to more from you, Reese!

[cooperhardy]

Blog Post #7

Wow! There is a lot going on in these three anime. It's tough to pick a favorite of the three, but I think my favorite has to be “Aggretsuko”. I thought the plot was really interesting and really liked the premise. I also thought the character design was super cool, and I liked the style that the show had, it seemed pretty unique to the show. I think the show really captures the exhaustion of navigating corporate life and societal expectations, especially for women in Japan. I know what it is liked to feel trapped in a job, and not even that but also trapped within social norms. I think the show is a really good critique on Japans working culture. While I really liked “Aggretsuko”, “Wondering Son” was also very good and I think the most emotionally complex of the three. I think the main theme of all three of these shows that ties them together is the tension between inner identity and external performance if that makes any sense, and I think “Wondering Son” did this the best. I liked how the show didn't rush Shuichi and Yoshino's journeys or try to oversimplify them. Overall really good show. And although it is my least favorite of the three, “Sailor Moon” is still a really good show. Not the most emotionally complex of the three, but just a super fun show to watch. Its super colorful and I liked the animation and the characters. It uses that more traditional anime style that you think of when you think of anime. And I did really like that mix of vulnerability and strength that the characters had in the show. It made me realize how rare it still is to see stories where femininity is powerful. Even though it’s from the ‘90s, it feels surprisingly relevant today. Overall, I would recommend watching any of these shows to anyone. 

[alisasinel]

Genshiken

What stood out most to me about Genshiken was how well it handled a nuanced and insightful exploration of identity and feeling like one belongs within subculture realms. Rather than presenting otaku culture through sensationalism or exaggeration, the anime presents a human, realistic portrayal of individuals coping with societal pressures while retaining a robust passion for anime, manga, and games. 

Through its character-based storytelling, Genshiken encourages the audience to consider how other communities devise sites of self-expression that are frequently overlooked within mainstream culture. The series focuses on the hypocrisy of Japanese society today, specifically the stress of conformity to rigorous social roles and expectations in school, at work, or in one's own life.

In this, Genshiken club provides a sanctuary where characters can just be themselves without adhering to socially standard norms. This judgment against conformity is not restricted to Japan alone. Subcultures across the globe continue to provide comfort to those individuals who feel cut off from dominant cultural norms. I especially identified strongly with this. Being a person who also has to juggle socially "acceptable" roles with more individualistic interests, I empathize with the emotional significance of these groups. 

Saki’s character growth acts as an important perspective for viewers to reflect on their own prejudices. At first, she disregards the group, but over time, she learns to appreciate their realm, even if she doesn’t completely grasp it. This evolution reflects wider societal changes in the perception of fandoms and subcultures, transitioning from ridicule to careful appreciation. 

With regard to the subcultures and media usage readings, Genshiken provides an on-the-ground narrative illustration of our theories. It highlights the significance of community in organizing identity and shows how media usage can be an individual sanctuary and an act of cultural resistance.

In the end, it provides more than a representation of otaku culture; rather, it is a contemplative investigation of acceptance, identity, and the powerful impact of community.

[cooperhardy]

Hey Alisa! Again, another great post. I really liked your take on the show. I hadn't really thought about it this way, but you're absolutely right, the club in Genshiken isn’t just a place for hobbies, it’s a quiet pushback against the pressure to “fit in.” I also liked what you said about Saki’s growth. It reminded me that understanding doesn’t always mean full participation and sometimes just respecting someone else’s world is enough. Genshiken made me reflect on how important it is to have spaces where people can just be themselves, even if it looks different from what’s considered normal. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful post!

[cooperhardy]

Blog Post #6

Wow! This was an interesting one. Had never seen nor heard of this anime yet. Although nothing really stook out to me plot wise or animation wise, the characters in the show were pretty interesting. The characters felt pretty realistic to me and all had there own quirks, especially felt more real to me than most other anime characters who conform to typical anime stereotypes. One thing that really caught my attention was how the characters handled being judged for their hobbies. They all kinda carried around that awkwardness with them, especially when they interacted with people outside of there little group. And even though the show is set in Japan and has a lot of specific pop culture references that I didnt get, the overall themes felt pretty universal. Everyone wants a space where they feel seen and intercat with like minded people, and Genshiken captures that. It made me think about how we all navigate our identities. I also thought the anime touched on something deeper about how we define what's “cool” or “acceptable.” These characters are passionate about their interests, even if society sees them as weird or immature. They kinda flip it around and say this isnt just there weird hobby its there community where they feel free to express themselves and be seen and heard. I also like how the show didnt try to make fun of them either. It showed that being part of a community can be meaningful. Another thing that was cool about the show was the different ways people express their interests and how that can lead to misunderstandings even within the group. I noticed that some characters are more open about what they like, while others are more reserved or even embarrassed. Overall, I thought the show was a good watch and would recommend to other people. 

[reeseponds]

"Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice"

Just wow! I have to say, these three were my favorite anime that we watched this course. All three of these anime had their storylines; however, they shared a common theme: children undergoing discrimination but learning to overcome it. In "Naruto", Naruto is an orphaned troublemaker boy with a demon, known as the Nine-Tailed Fox, inside him. He did not know he had this demon inside of him, but he always wondered why people rejected him. He was the odd man out most of the time, even when it came to excelling in school. He wanted people to see him and love him so badly. Finally, he realized that he wanted to prove these people wrong and show them that he is not a horrible person. We see this when he faces the villain Pain, who destroyed Naruto's home village. They called for Naruto because he was the only person who could defeat Pain; however, he did not exactly defeat him. he chose to listen to him and reason with him, and it ended in Pain bringing back to life all the people he had killed in the destruction. After Naruto went back to the village, everyone was celebrating him and thanking him for everything he did. For me, this scene had a profound impact. It shows me that no matter what I go through, good will come out of it. From this anime, we also see war and peace, just as we do in our world today. We see war and hatred, but then we see the effort of making it right.

Next, we see a different approach to this theme in "Wolf Children". A young college girl falls in love with a werewolf, and they have two wolf children; however, he suddenly dies. Hana makes the children hide their wolf identities from the world, and even gets questioned if she is a fit mother because of her not taking them to the doctors. She was so scared that people would judge them for their true identities. Finally, Hana realized that these children needed to be free, so they moved to a very off-the-grid home. The children have the opportunity to be themselves, whether they be human or wolf, without the judgment of the world. As the children grew older, she enrolled them in school and taught them how to control their wolfish urges. As the children entered their teenage years, they finally realized who they were and chose the path of life they were going to take. Ame decided to connect with the wolves, while Yuki chose to be a human and attend school. Ame and Yuki did not directly face discrimination; however, Hana shaped their childhood around the fear of their identity, hiding who they were. People all over the world, including my younger self, are often scared to express or show who they truly are due to the rejection of the world, just as we see in this anime.

Lastly, "A Silent Voice" told a beautiful yet emotional story about a bully named Shoya. He bullied a deaf girl in elementary school called Shoko and also told others to bully her as well. He went as far as harming her physically. However, Shoya was eventually bullied when Shoka transferred to another school. He finally realized what it felt like to be bullied the way he bullied people. After years of being bullied in elementary school, he felt guilty and tried to commit suicide. He tried to make things right with Shoko by learning sign language, buying her bread to feed the fish, and befriending her. Eventually, Shoko attempted to commit suicide because she felt bad for being a burden on her family and friends' lives; however, Shoya saved her. I appreciate this anime because it closely examines the impact that bullying can have on mental health worldwide. This movie was a great reminder to always see people for their character, not for their looks, disabilities, or status.

[cooperhardy]

Hey Reese! I agree with you, these were definitely my favorite shows so far as well!  I really loved reading your post, especially how you connected all three anime through the theme of discrimination and identity. Naruto choosing empathy over revenge was such a cool moment that really stuck with me, too. It’s wild how much his story mirrors real struggles. I loved how you broke down Shoya’s guilt and how he tried to change, and while not my favorite of the trio, that movie really made me think about how bullying affects people long-term. These shows didn’t just tell good stories; they made me reflect on real stuff in my own life, which is what made them so awesome. Looking forward to some more awesome blog posts from you Reese!

[cooperhardy]

Blog Post #5

Hey gang! I really liked these shows! Especially Naruto and Wolf Children. Naruto was super awesome!! I have seen some of it before, but watching it again was sick. And wolf children, wow, it was awesome! I didn't like The Silent Voice as much, but it was okay. I felt for Hana and her struggle trying to parent her children, and I liked that the children both took different paths. That felt so true to the idea that part of growing up is figuring out your path, even if it means moving away from what your parents imagined for you. Especially after going to college and watching all of my friends choose different paths, moving on from life in Texas, and all of us moving to different states. I think Naruto really taps into the feeling everybody gets at some point while growing up. Naruto just wants to be acknowledged, and I think a lot of people can relate to that, especially when you’re still figuring out who you are. Watching Naruto again honestly made me want to keep on watching it and finish the series since I never had. I didn’t connect as much with A Silent Voice, though I appreciated what it was trying to do. The message about bullying and redemption is important, but it didn’t resonate with me the same way. Still, I see how it speaks to real issues in Japan around mental health and social pressures, which are also super relevant here and globally. It was cool seeing how these stories deal with stuff like identity, family, and fitting in. I’m honestly glad we got to watch these. Especially watching how Naruto and Wolf Children deal with stuff like discrimination, and I preferred how Wolf Children did it. Thanks for reading! Hope we get to watch more cool stuff like this again.

[alisasinel]

Shin Sekai Yori

Shin Sekai Yori is one of the most intellectually stimulating anime I’ve ever seen. At first, it seemed like a serene coming-of-age tale in an unusual, tranquil village, but it gradually uncovers a far more sinister and intricate reality beneath. What particularly caught my attention was the way the anime examines control, memory, and the essence of being human. The anime society appears tranquil on the surface, but it is founded on sacrifice, control, and fear. Individuals possess psychic abilities that are quite hazardous, so in order to offer safety, the government of the village employs mind control, strict rules, and even murders youths who demonstrate instability. It caused me to reflect a long time and hard upon the degree of control that one society must exert in order to maintain peace and what we sacrifice in the process. The most compelling aspect for me within this tale was observing how the children, particularly Saki, gradually find the truth as they mature.

Their entire life was a deception to protect them, but also to keep them compliant. This made me think of Psycho-Pass, where individuals are controlled "for their own good," and how that kind of control destroys their capacity to have genuine choice. Shin Sekai Yori does one better by asking you to question who determines what's right and what's harm. It also broached issues of remembrance, how history is warped to keep things in order, and the dangerousness of knowledge in a lying-based society. This anime encouraged me to think of real-life issues like censorship, eavesdropping, and disparity. The way humanity treated the "Monster Rats," a race that they had defeated, presented the way fear and dominance may result in discrimination and brutality. Overall, Shin Sekai Yori wasn't an easy watch, but it caused me to think long and hard about control, fear, and what kind of world we're making when we trade freedom for security.

[cooperhardy]

Waddup Alisa!!! I liked your analysis of the show! I especially liked how you compared it to “Psycho Pass”, which seems obvious now, but I didn't see that when I first watched it! The part you mentioned about memory and history stuck with me, too. I found it unsettling how the adults used memory manipulation to keep the kids obedient, and how knowledge itself became dangerous. That hit close to home, especially thinking about how modern governments can shape public narratives through censorship and misinformation. And I liked your analysis of the monster rats; it was so hard to watch how they were dehumanized and controlled, even though they were essentially no different. That reminded me of how real regimes will dehumanize people to justify genocides or gain control.

[cooperhardy]

Blog Post #4

Wow! This show, “Shin Sekai Yori,” was a doozie. Honestly, the show was really hard to follow at times, and it left me feeling pretty unsettled. It has pretty slow pacing, but doesn't that just simulate real life? What struck me most was how the anime explores the dangers of suppressing truth and the societal cost of manufactured peace. Kinda just shows almost indirectly the effects of living in a surveillance state, which is right now what we are snowballing towards. The world the children inhabit is built on control, and it raises deep questions about the price of safety. It feels pretty relevant to postwar Japan, particularly the idea that trauma and violence are buried to protect harmony (i.e., the atrocities that the Japanese empire committed). I can see how the show is relevant globally as it touches on the fear of being different and how societies deal with people who are different. And the treatment of the queerats reminds me of dehumanization tactics used by regimes to justify genocide. I resonated with Saki, and I thought she was a great character. She was very resilient and was able to tell that the adults weren't telling the full truth to the children. I think most kids now, especially with the advent of social media, question the government more and more and don't trust at all what the government says. The society constantly talks about maintaining peace, but at what cost? Especially when that peace is built around erasing people who don't conform. The show challenged me to think about how fear is weaponized in our world today, especially in politics and media. In the end, the show left me with a lot to think about. It’s not an easy watch, but it felt very rewarding to finish. Watch this show!

[alisasinel]

Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass really caused me to reflect on what it means to live in a "perfect" society and what we sacrifice in the process. The anime is set in a future where everything is controlled by the Sibyl System. It can sense the mental condition of an individual and whether they would or could commit a crime. If a person is over-stressed, fearful, angry, or depressed, their "Crime Coefficient" is heightened, and they may end up being arrested or even murdered, even though they are innocent. The frightening aspect is that individuals begin concealing their feelings just to feel secure. All human beings are supposed to be relaxed, cheerful, and "stable" at all times. One single emotional error can destroy your life. That thought really resonated with me because I feel like in our culture today, there's always this pressure to show that everything's okay all the time, particularly on social media. One is graded on things like grade levels, productivity at work, the way one looks, and even one's mental state, yet one is not always permitted simply to be human. If you're never winning, it's simple to feel like you're in the back. One thing that I absolutely loved about Psycho-Pass was the way it avoids simple answers.

The Sibyl System is supposed to provide security and harmony, but it erodes liberty, privacy, and individuality. Individuals no longer have the freedom to choose for themselves because everything is chosen by the system. That caused me to think about the way real systems, like school ranking, monitoring, and job tracking, limit freedom even though they were meant to help. I also appreciated the main character, Akane. At first, she trusts the system, but when she sees its flaws, she will not silently go along with them. She doesn't hit back in a melodramatic way, but she is strong, thoughtful, and faithful to what she believes in. I believe that quiet tolerance is as strong as resistance. Psycho-Pass led me to consider how simple it is to surrender autonomy in the guise of safety, and insisted that genuine peace must involve freedom, choice, and empathy, and not merely structure.

[cooperhardy]

Awesome post Alisa! I really liked how you talked about how the show resonates with you because it's a lot like the culture we live in today. I never considered that our grades at school and the way we look can correlate with the show, and after thinking about it, I fully agree with you. Your point about the pressure to always appear okay really struck me, and I think it’s unsettling how closely that mirrors our current world with everything like Instagram and TikTok, where emotional honesty can feel like a risk. I also found it powerful how the show explores the danger of outsourcing moral judgment to a system and what we give up when we let systems like that decide who we are.