Anim-alysis

[imkindacoolngl]

Goodbye Animeted World

Your name was incredible. I love everything about it. The animation was stunning, the music hit every note just right, and the story had so much emotional weight that it stayed with me. The moment when Taki and Mitsuhameet on the train after Taki learns he can save the town. I was nervous until the very end, when they finally saw each other and exchanged names. The anime made me think about how people can feel connected even when they don't fully understand why. I love that, thanks to his plan, the town's culture was saved, and he still got what he wanted. 

Hetalia wasn't as interesting as I thought. I liked the character designs, even though they are stereotypes like America always holding a hamburger or a shake, I found it amusing. The exaggerated voices and sexual undertones were often distracting and annoying, but I can see why this anime had such a huge fan base. It turns the serious events of World War II into something funny and laughable. At times, it worked well; other times, it was a little too serious, which was unsettling. I respect it for tackling a new topic.  

Sensoron was unsettling. The author was very persuasive in his way of convincing you of his side, and how the war stories can and were manipulated, yet I think his writing does something similar, especially how he can selectively pick his arguments after hearing that in the lecture, it showed how when he makes points, you can trust him, either because of his own tactics and visual rhetoric.

All of these works reflect different aspects of Japan, like memory, identity, and war. While I connected with Your Name the most, I still think the rest of the anime had a unique idea, and I wish I could have connected with them more.  

So for a final send off, it was fun reading y'all's post and making them, good luck at UF and Sayōnara

[grandiosekaiju]

Hello imkindacoolngl,

Overall, I heavily agree with you in regards to the animes and manga that were chosen for this module. I overall had a blast watching the two animes, though Your Name stuck with me way more than Hetalia, though I would say that the manga felt kind of bleak and not that interesting compared to the other animes we watched over the course of the class. I most definitely agree with you in regard to how each of these works of art are meant to reflect certain Japanese aspects, while also being able to spread that knowledge to other parts of the world. I do hope that this journey was as pleasant for you as it was enjoyable and shockingly entertaining for me, and I do hope to read more of your posts eventually. I wish you the best of luck with what life has in store for all of us, and Sayōnara!

[grandiosekaiju]

A Grand Finale To Anim-alysis

The animes that were made as the final choices for me to watch most certainly left me wishing for more. The way that each of the characters are portrayed and highlighted through the use of so many elements of anime, like their stylistic choice, music choice, and overall character development, most certainly left me in a very happy state of mind.

Your Name was beyond incredible. The way that the style so very much connects to each of the characters and how each moment is highlighted through the use of very appropriately toned music definitely left me absolutely shocked that I had not seen this anime prior to the course. I was at the edge of my seat through numerous times during the anime, though I was mostly intrigued about how the characters began to connect with each other, though going through initial struggle, as we all do in our lives. I have most certainly had times in my life where I would wish to start over the day or feel bad about certain choices or events, but then wake up the next day all freshened up and ready to make my own personal world a better place. This was one of the first animes I can definitively say was very engaging and relatable even in the 21st century.

Although initially rubbing me the wrong way with its overall plot and factoring in different stereotypes, Hetalia was definitely one that I had to backtrack and look at how each of the elements connected with each other. Everytime I went back to certain scenes, I began to realize that this is similar to the world we live in today, and most definitely a relatable factor in regards to Japan and the US. These are two countries who are very prideful of their own heritage and ideologies, especially when we started moving into the 20th and 21st century. While it was not immediately appealing to me, unlike Your Name, it was definitely not a bad watch and certainly one I can look back at viewing every now and then.

Sensoron, however, was one piece of media that did rub me the wrong way and still partially does. While I can definitely see the contexts it is trying to spread, I really did not have much interest, nor could I relate to anything within it. The way that it is drawn though is quite interesting, and one of the few times I am seeing a manga rather than seeing mostly anime.

Overall, my experience with this course has been a surprisingly pleasant one. I was not deeply knowledgeable of anime prior to the course, but now, I can definitely say I have seen quite a few unique animes.

[anime-culture]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 have a common thread of depicting human arrogance towards nature. The core message of both stories reveals nature as an active force that possesses its own logic and will. Humanity's breakdown extends beyond environmental damage and armed conflicts because it represents their refusal to coexist with nature. Her flight above the poisoned jungle, where she endangered herself to understand the broken world, made me feel the need for humility. She does not attempt to control nature by dominating it instead, she listens to its wisdom.

The lesson from nature surpasses control attempts in today's urgent global crisis of climate change and species extinction, and collapsing ecosystems. The fantasy world of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 presents similar themes despite its different setting. Through the Blade system, people use living titans as tools in the world. The resulting imbalance between natural systems causes the collapse of entire systems. The world was reacting to its death rather than simply dying, which impressed me the most. The system retaliates when Malos and his allies surpass their limits. Disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires serve as examples of natural events that humans make worse through their systems, combined with their pursuit of greed.

The stories show that the answer does not lie in absolute withdrawal or technological miracles but requires a fundamental change in perspective. Nausicaä demonstrates her strength through her ability to empathize rather than through her weapons. Rex discovers his power through building connections with Pyra, along with the Titans and the people who surround him. These narratives oppose the extractive approach, which treats human beings together with natural resources and emotional connections as resources to be exhausted.

The stories have led me to evaluate my own methods of interacting with the world. Am I attempting to conquer, or am I attempting to listen? Do I claim to possess all the answers, or am I prepared to accept incorrect perspectives? The questions asked in these stories exist beyond fantasy because they represent actual problems that need immediate attention.

[grandiosekaiju]

Hello anime-culture,

I find it quite appealing in the ways that you indicated that the purposes of these two mediums was to provide the audience with a more fantasy-esque world that fell within the same struggles that humanity within the real-world find themselves in. It is not the machines or the idea of us trailing back towards being reliant on nature that will help drive the world to fix the issues, but rather how we see the natural order as one that we must be in harmony with. We should not go out of our way to remove what made nature capable of housing life within our world, but instead take a moment and respect for what it has done for us. At times, I am reminded of the famous JFK speech where he proclaimed "do not ask what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" as a way to put it on us to change our overall perspective and treat the world as an entity of vital importance.

[grandiosekaiju]

Environmentalism as Portrayed in Popular Media

Similar to most of the other animes that I was tasked with watching, I was unsure about what to make with the title "Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind" or what the plot of the anime would be. Before even watching, I looked at the date and gathered that this was made in the early 80s, which saw a rise within environmentalists as a rise to help clean the world was we know it, especially in Japan where the issues of pollution were around way before the anime was ever made, and even seen today in other countries such as the United States. After watching the anime, I could not help but feel worried at the consequences of humanitarian action within the environment and how we could cause the collapse of entire societies, yet also felt hopeful that there would be at least one group of people who would help change the world for the better. The animation style had little difference to other animes around this time, such as Barefoot Gen, but this anime utilized the style in such a manner as to evoke proper emotions. To showcase the entire village wiped out at the beginning it was very gloomy and depressing, yet by the end of the anime, the colors have become a lot more bright and cheerful as to evoke the emotion of suffering, but then eventually pushing through.

With Xenoblade Chronicles 2, however, the title did sound familar at first, and while I was itching to see how the game's cutscenes could invoke similar feelings as with Nausicaa, I really did not get that much appeal for it. The animation, especially for a game created in 2017, did not have that same appeal as with more traditional animated films during the 80s and 90s. It sort of made the characters and the plot fall flat on its face as there really was no driving visual aspect to bring it forth, although there were a few minor highlights. However, the plot was something that did keep me within the sphere of influence with the game's overall message, as it almost felt like that this could happen eventually to the Earth if humanity keeps on the path of destroying everything involving the natural order.

[anime-culture]

Neon Genesis Evangelion / The End of Evangelion

My experience watching Neon Genesis Evangelion and The End of Evangelion proved to be one of the most emotionally demanding anime experiences I have ever had. The anime presents itself as more than a mecha series because it explores deep themes about isolation and depression while searching for identity in a collapsing world. The series effectively portrayed the internal turmoil, which shows that the true conflict exists within the minds of the characters rather than outside.

The show presents a disorderly, fragmented, and often disturbing portrayal, which creates an authentic sense of reality. The depiction of anxiety in Evangelion showed strong similarities to modern mental health issues that people experience during high-stress situations at school and work. The extreme personality traits of Shinji , who seeks approval and Asuka, who is perfectionistic, and Rei, who is emotionally numb, all reminded me of common behaviors that young people exhibit when they try to understand their role in a demanding society.

The show presents a Japanese cultural perspective by showing how society expects people to conform, yet the universal human emotions remain intact. The End of Evangelion destroyed all remaining comfort that the series provided to its audience. The film presents a brutal, surreal experience that serves as a necessary destruction to reveal the authentic nature of both characters and viewers. The realization that pain cannot be escaped , yet living through it with meaningful connections, became a profound message for me. Evangelion presents no definitive solutions, but it explores essential questions about human existence , including our purpose in life and our identity outside of relationships, and our right to simply exist.

Anime and media rarely explore human nature at this profound level. Through its storytelling, Evangelion compels viewers to engage in self-reflection. The show remains unforgettable because it forces viewers to think about their existence.

[grandiosekaiju]

Hello anime-culture,

I very much appreciate how you are able to tie the entire narrative of the Evangelion series and its respective movie towards the ideologies of humanity as a whole and what the purpose and identities of us are in regards to our relationships and beyond. I most certainly agree that this series and its movie are some of the most "down-to-earth" animes that have ever been made and are able to explore the concept of human nature in a way that most animes have yet to dig deeper than these two animes. The concepts that are explored in this anime offer us into the look of young teenagers that struggle with their own identity and place in the world as they attempt to get up to the level of their peers with the fear of being left behind looming very close. Overall, fantastic reflection!

[grandiosekaiju]

Examining the Evangelions

Prior to this course, I really only knew about Neon Genesis Evangelion through the concept of the mechs piloted by young teenagers and their collaboration with the Godzilla franchise and SH MonsterArts in creating a Godzilla figure fused with the colors of EVA-01. I had no prior knowledge of the movie and the controversy that came as a result of the anime's original ending and how the movie attempted to correct it through an alternative. After watching both of them, I definitely was quite amazed with the art style as it felt very clean, dynamic, and at times, smooth. However, I was quite shocked at the sudden change within the style of the final two episodes, as I felt it was something quite unnecessary and almost felt like a different anime with characters taking from Evangelion.

One key factor that I picked up immediately after watching and doing some extra research on the controversy was due to Shinji and his portrayal as one who falls under the umbrella term "queer". After during some further research, I found out that the idea of "LGBTQ+ culture" is something that has only recently come under light within Japan. For something new to the country, it does definitely have its own base of supporters and those who oppose it, just like other major countries such as America. However, America was having such a topic established more deeply than other countries like Japan. With Shinji, I definitely saw him at times as being too soft and lacking the means of taking action, but I also saw him as one who struggles with himself and trying to find a place in the world, which left me in partial tears at the end of my viewings.

After this extra research, I began to realize how I was, in part, similar to the characterization as Shinji. There were at times in which I felt passive and not taking any form of direct action towards a goal in mind, and was feeling like I did not have much room for my own quirks. However, once I began to realize that there were more people like me and began to get connected and united with them, I felt that I had found something I thought I would not find for a long time. At the end of my viewings, I was left quite polarized in regards to the anime's original ending and the movie's alternative, especially when it came down to the animation style, the overarching themes, and the portrayals of the characters. However, I was feeling quite pleased with the fact that they went through the effort to develop an alternative as a means of cleaning up loose ends left in the original ending.

[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.

[grandiosekaiju]

Hello hmwagner,

In regards to the convention you went to in relation to the one that I went to, even though they each focus on different fandoms, I can most definitely say that the sense of connection and being able to relate to each of the attendees was certainly prevalent based on your telling of Wasabicon and my own personal experiences at G-Fest. Both of our conventions each had their own way of expressing joy and wonder to all of the fans that attended, with each of our having selected cosplays, games, and other fun activites to enhance and feeling of belonging, as which was made evident within the watching of Genshiken and the readings from this module. It also seems like we each had a blast at our own respective conventions, and I can definitively say, at least in my own regard, that my discovery of this convention made me gain the benefit of finding people that I can discuss my interests with and not fear any sort of judgement in relation to said interests. Overall, I would say that your post in relation to your experiences with this particular convention will not only make people who are interested in attending a convention to consider at least this as a potential first, but also to spread the word that convention serve as their own little communities where interests are safely enclosed within the fans.

[grandiosekaiju]

My Time at G-Fest

Regarding my time at a convention, while I have not been to an anime-focused convention, I have gone numerous times to G-Fest, which has been held nearly every year since 1994 in Chicago. My first experience was with a past friend of mine way back in 2016 and it was most certainly a blast. Since then, I have gone a grand total of 7 times, with the only years of which I did not attend being 2017, 2021 and 2022. I recently attended this year's G-Fest during the second week of July, and just like previous years, it was an absolutely blast! The main talking points were related to Tokusatsu such as Godzilla and Ultraman, with each of those characters getting their own adaptations of anime, with one of the most notable being Godzilla, who got his own anime trilogy that lasted from 2017 to 2018, and the tv show Godzilla Singular Point that aired in 2021. I was also able to get together a few friends of mine, which went from a group of 5 including myself in 2019 to now a group of 11 including myself in 2025. Within this friend group, unlike some individuals I knew from my home state of Florida, I was able to freely discuss my own thoughts on the movies and tv shows of each main tokusatsu character without anyone ignoring me for my interests.

At G-Fest, I was able to be a part of many different events, with my most notable ones being in 2024 where I had built my own model and made a series of quick videos that all centered around kaiju movies. However, the other ones were no slouch either, as every year they held a costume parade of which I was a watcher within a crowd of people cheering on the suit creators and wearers as they wandered down the aisle for showcasing. Eventually, I am hoping to make my own suit and become a part of the parade, but with a lot of personal matters to tend to first, it may take a while for me to become an official part of the parade. Another moment that I recall, this time from this year, was when I was in line for the dealer room and another random Godzilla fan and myself struck up some conversation while we were all anxiously waiting for the room to open hours before it officially opened its doors. While him and I did not definitively become friends, we were able to appreciate each other for the collectibles that we owned and showcased them to each other as a sign of connection. This was a memory that came rushing back when this module came up about the idea of fan conventions and how people were able to connect with others on similar topics, with the most notable highlight being my watching of Genshiken, where my group sort of felt like its own Genshiken of sorts, and with one of my friends being a comic book artist who is taking upon a style that feels similar to more modern manga styles, I can definitely relate to said concepts inserting themselves into a group conversation at home or at the convention.

Similar to other conventions, there were a variety of panels that could be held by fans, creators, and even suit actors who were a part of movies or tv shows from the 1950s and 1960s, to which it was a breath of fresh air from the more modern panels as they really have yet to sink into me as being a point of connection for me. At this years convention, I was able to attend the panel of one Bin Furuya, who not only played one of the main human characters from the 1967 TV show Ultraseven, but was the suit actor for the original Ultraman character from the first Ultraman series back in 1966. Although I was not within the main front rows, I still got to take in all of the enjoyment and action-packed fun of seeing a suit actor before my eyes still being able to remember his past without any major hiccups. It was even more shocking when he pulled off some amazing tap dancing moves, especially for a person of his age. I was also able to attend some other panels related to the movies over the years and got to interact with a custom-made suit based on the character Jirass from the original Ultraman, which was very appealing and absolutely amazing to see firsthand.

There were also many different board games, a whole arcade, and a G-Pardy game night that I was able to be a part of over the years, with the notable ones being back in 2024 and a couple years before that. While I was not able to win any of the competitions, it was most certainly a blast that I got to play all of these amazing games, with the extra bonus of playing against a well-known YouTuber at a Godzilla game when the event was still at the Crowne Plaza and not the Hyatt Regency.

The overall feeling and the sense of community within G-Fest really brought me into a world of realization that there were way more people than I had originally thought to enjoy the same things as I did, and it was most definitely a sigh of relief from all the others who I could not connect with back home. The club in the anime Genshiken and my own little club of friends can all relate to one thing in common: the sense of connection and being able to relate with each other in a way that enforces the group as a force that will not fall back from its interests. The readings as well from that module also enforced this feeling, especially around the concepts of fan activity and cosplay as a way of showcasing one's own interests in a way that may not have been interpreted before then.

[imkindacoolngl]

Sailor Moon, Aggretsuko, Wandering Son

These anime weren’t my kind of shows. I didn't connect with any of them the way I have with some of the others that we have watched. I still can see what each one of them was trying to express. 

Sailor Moon felt dated and overly dramatic to me, but that being said, I can still see why it was groundbreaking. It promoted the idea that girls can be powerful, even when being emotional or stylish. I did like the character Luna; she helped make the show feel more grounded and interesting as she was like Sailor Moon's sidekick, even if she was only a cat. The show highlights girl power and challenges traditional ideas of femininity, which I respect, even if it wasn't particularly exciting to watch. 

I enjoyed Aggretsuko the most out of all the anime. I liked the twist that Retsuko expresses herself through death metal Karakoe to break gender roles and conformity. While Im not a metal fan myself, I do listen to a lot of music and often play it loud, so that part connected with me. It was interesting to see a show use that to represent her bottled-up frustration with work and gender expectations. Even though the show focuses on how women can be treated in strict workplaces, I think it's essential to demonstrate that anyone can feel trapped between what they want to do and what society expects of them. 

As for Wandering Son, I didn't connect with it. Still, I recognize that it's trying to say something about gender identity and social pressure. It showed how different life can be when someone doesn’t fit into traditional roles and how hard it is for them to be accepted and for them to accept themselves.  While it wasn't something I enjoyed as much as the other anime during this module, I understand the messages they were trying to convey, and I think it's essential that they have some sort of representation.

[grandiosekaiju]

Hello imkindacoolngl,

I very much appreciate the way in which you saw the animes, and I will agree with you in regards to each in a particular way. I will agree in saying that Sailor Moon did feel quite dates and very dramatized, but I feel that it has a reasoning for such a expression. The way that this is animated is similar to a lot of other 90s Japanese animes, with one of the biggest comparsions I can think of being the original Pokemon series, and as for the dramatization, I feel that it is there as a way of expressing the thoughts and feelings that are looming around Usagi as she finds herself in a role that is atypical for a woman of her age, based on societal expectations. She is very much new to this role and is attempting to balance her own regular life with this more expressive and thought-provoking aspect in a way that is manageable for her. In regards to the other animes above, I do agree with you in regards that it is quite funny that a character such as Retsuko would be a die-hard fan of heavy metal as a way of breaking the gender norms and relieving of bottled-up emotions, and the way of which Wandering Son showcases the concept of trans people as they struggle to fit within the society they find themselves in as they each have different expectations, but I will also say that these stories are a way of showcasing different sides of the same story and a way to help the audience better understand them as if we ourselves were also in the story. Overall, I think that your analysis on each of the animes is very well-put and organized in a way that makes this post an easy read, excellent work!

[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.

[anime-culture]

Genshiken Blog Post

The experience of watching Genshiken became familiar to me because it captures the basic human experience of discovering like-minded individuals. The show presents fandom as both a protective sanctuary and a complex way of defining oneself to others. The characters in Genshiken establish a sanctuary in Japan to pursue their geeky interests because they want to escape the outside world's judgment. The characters experience both internal conflicts and self-doubt while seeking acceptance within their protected environment. That hit home for me. We all seek groups that allow us to express ourselves authentically while avoiding the need to perform or feel ashamed. The show effectively demonstrated how fandom simultaneously provides empowerment and creates social separation between fans. The characters demonstrate their enthusiasm yet face challenges because of how others perceive their interests.

The experience described by the characters exists beyond Japanese culture. Through social media platforms, users experience a false sense of community with fans but simultaneously develop doubts about their normalcy regarding their interests. During my intense focus on football scouting and anime, I have experienced doubts about my level of obsession and fear of being considered strange because of my deep interest in what others might view as unimportant.  Obsession with the right purpose and intent can be beneficial and not detrimental. Through Genshiken, viewers understand that intense passion for non-mainstream interests comes with these specific feelings, which are normal to everyone who loves something unusual. The power of subcultures stems from their ability to create belonging spaces for their members, according to Genshiken.

The show led me to analyze more deeply the social expenses that come with having an identity when conformity is demanded in certain environments. I gained greater appreciation for the different spaces I have discovered, which allow me to exist without needing to justify myself.

[grandiosekaiju]

Hello anime-culture,

In regards to your thoughts on the anime, I will certainly agree with you in the context that the way in which the anime portrays itself makes it seem like it has two main ideologies going for it: one in which the fandoms that we find ourselves in can definitely assist with our identity of self, and the other in which these fandoms serve as a means of protecting one's interests within a group of people that share similar interests as a means of keeping them safe from any potential ridicule from others not invested in such fandoms. There were definitely moments within my life in which I felt that I would become an outcast in relation to the fandom of Tokusatsu that I found myself in at a young age since I had not found many people as heavily interested in it as I was. However, since then, I have not only been able to get out and freely express my interests in Tokusatsu with thousands of people every year at a convention, but also with a select group of friends of which I had made a group with and are now seeing a total count of 11 fans of the franchise. While there are moments that I did not find appealing to the ear and the eye, such as the implications of sexual appeal towards certain people being highlighted within the eyes of certain characters, I can definitely say that this watch can prove to being a crucial part of how fans of a certain franchise can identify themselves and feel safer knowing that they are not the only ones.

[grandiosekaiju]

Genshiken's Showcase of General Fandoms

Like most of the animes that are a part of this venture, this is one that I had not heard of before, but was quite intrigued by the overall look and general plot of it. After watching the anime, it definitely seems to highlight a generality when it comes down to individuals and their respective fandoms. Upon a first watch, I felt like I was pulled into the world with the main characters and joined within their group in relation to a general fandom, similarly to how I had been pulled into my fandom within Tokusatsu. I find myself to be quite the collector of items such as figurines, posters, plushies, and other knick-knacks from the convention I have been regularly attending that highlights the appeal of Tokusatsu since 2018, so I can most certainly relate to when the characters head to their respective Comifes, though mine was less about comics and more about giant Japanese monsters and called "G-Fest".

Although, there were moments where it seemed that certain members of the Genshiken were perhaps fantasizing a number of possibilities when it comes down to other members and how they visually look and speak with a select few members more generally than others. However, I feel that this in light indicates the infinite possibilities when it comes down to members within a fandom as the only limit to what they can achieve with the fandom's select topic(s) is their imagination. This is especially highlighted in places such as Japan where they have many stores and conventions to draw in the fans, as well as America where they have their regular Comic Cons every year.

Back to the anime, it definitely seemed to highlight a part of the fandom which was the connection that each individual had with their fandom and how they were able to locate others and join the group so that they can all say they are fans of the particular topic at hand, as well as point out the possibilities that each of those fans had to showcase their love for the fandom in numerous ways such as cosplay, writing fanfiction, and regularly attending the conventions.

[imkindacoolngl]

Isolation to Connections

Watching Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice gave me a lot to think about, especially in how they deal with identity, isolation, and the possibility of change. Something I’m sure we have all experienced and found a solution to. While Naruto didn't catch my interest due to maybe being under my age group, I still remember how his struggles with discrimination affected him. He is hated and feared for something he can’t control, which represents a birth problem like the Nine Tails inside him, yet he pushes forward, not just to be acknowledged but to protect others. It reminds me that while suffering isn’t something people should have to go through, it can sometimes be a source of personal strength. Naruto becomes someone who lifts others because he knows what it’s like to be alone.  

Wolf children hit me differently, while it isn't as action-heavy, its emotional depth hits hard. Watching the two children grow into different identities, one choosing the human world and the other choosing the wilderness, made me reflect on how society leaves little room for people who don't fit in. Still, like in the film, people can carve out small spaces where they can figure themselves out. The ending was bittersweet, especially with how the mother has to let go. It's sad, but it illustrates how love means giving others the freedom to grow and develop. 

Out of the three, A Silent Voice had the most personal impact on me. The idea that society, not just the individual, needs to change resonates. The main character’s journey through guilt, depression, and anxiety felt real. I also liked the message of when life gets tough, there seems to only be one option, but we learn that it isn't the correct one I feel like it shines light on the fact that there is hope through redemption and even friendship. What also stood out was how his effort to change himself led to others reaching out to him and becoming friends, thereby creating a new social circle for him. It reminded me that while people can do terrible things, they can also grow and help others heal. That kind of message feels important, especially today. 

[grandiosekaiju]

Hello imkindacoolngl,

I can say without a doubt that you have given these three animes proper representation in relation to your reflections on them. While the other two did offer some effect on my own person, it was most certainly A Silent Voice that offered me a very deep connection to how the world treats those with disabilities and how the discrimination begins and can lead to many different acts of violence. I too have had moments where I was judged for the way I acted or sounded, primarily by others around me within regular society, but as I took note, I began to reflect on my own person and started to believe that I was not the one to conform: I was the one to be myself and keep being the person I was meant to be. Each story has its main ideology of acceptance within society, but I feel that A Silent Voice just added in that extra realistic factor that was missing within the other two, in trade for some very smooth and impactful animation. I also most certainly agree that the messages in each of these is still very prevalent within the 2020s, and I am hopeful that there will be a time in which we are not judged by what we physically look like, but how we are as a character within our world.

[grandiosekaiju]

Naruto / Wolf Children / A Silent Voice Reflection

Regarding my expertise of anime prior to this class, the only title above that I was partially familiar with was Naruto, but only with a few characters, such as Naruto, Might Guy, Kakashi, and Jiraiya. However, after having viewed all three of the animes as indicated in the title of this blog post, I can most definitively say that I was quite stunned with how each of the animes portrayed similar themes in different lights, and yet, they intertwine them in a manner that made it easy for me to digest.

Regarding Naruto, the first episode really did start us off on the path of what Naruto himself would have to go through as a means of attempting to build trust within his overall community. By the time in which Naruto: Shippuden came out, Naruto and many other characters had been well-established to this point, and in a sense, I felt a bit of Naruto within myself. A young boy who acts quite different to those around him, but then after finding a strong connection with an outside force, attempts to reestablish his connection with the rest of society and attempt to overcome any past actions that left him with a sour taste in people's mouths.

However, compared to Naruto, my knowledge of Wolf Children and A Silent Voice was very much lacking, but after viewing them, I can see how themes covered way back in the early to mid 2010s are still relevant to this day. I especially felt bad to the children in Wolf Children and the deaf girl in A Silent Voice as they did not get to choose how they were born and are forced to live with their biology, on top of the challenges of being accepted by the world. This is especially prevalent all around the world, especially in places like the United States, in which people are being discriminated against because of features they did not get to choose when their life began, similar to that of the children in Wolf Children. I also felt a part of me within these two stories as I have some quirks about my own person that people sometimes do not understand fully, but I have been able to find ways around these obstacles and have found peace within my own self and acceptance for who I am.

These stories are not only for the visual entertainment of the individual, but rather, a way in which to build self-confidence and reflection of one's own actions as a means of allowing them to see how the world views them.

[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.

[grandiosekaiju]

Hello ayamimouni,

I also was left in a state of shock in regards to how the anime was initially thought to be during my first experience, but then did a full 180 and instead entered in a sort-of rabbit hole that explains that while the society that went through 1000 years of development was holding within them a dark secret which those within society were hoping would never come to the light of day.

Similar to the context that you provided, it does seem to be an almost direct reflection of how our society is treating certain individuals, and rather than rehabilitate them to establish balance, they just punish them as if they were a dastardly criminal, without even considering if what they did was caused by some form of external force that was out of their control.

In fact, the way that the entire was portrayed with its devices and themes acted in a similar manner to season 1 of the show Invincible, where it makes you think that the heroes are going to be a main driving force throughout the show, only for them to be killed off right at the end and showcase that one of the "heroes" was actually a spy sent from a dystopian society to weaken Earth as a means of later invading it. On top of that, the society on Earth is by no means perfect in real life and in the show as Cecil indicates that the government "can be the good guys, or the guys that save the world. We can't be both" as a way of showing that every society, no matter how clean they appear to be on the outside, can hold some dark secrets that illustrates how they got there. I most certainly agree with how this anime made me realize a grueling truth about societies as a whole, but also to serve as a lesson and reflection on what can happen if society has taken its methods of balance too far.

[grandiosekaiju]

The Shin Sekai Yori Experience

Prior to this class, I had never heard of this anime before, and prior to my watching, I did a little research into the main concept of the anime without giving me any spoilers. However, when I started watching this anime, I can most certainly say that it did give me quite a shock. The opening scene in the first episode especially seemed to build up this very tense overarching theme that would play through into the rest of the anime, but it really did not hit me throughout the rest of my watching. I will most certainly say that it was very grueling, yet the visuals were done in such a stunning manner that it almost seemed to compliment the mess of which was made during the opening scene, and throughout the rest of the anime.

In regards to how this anime can be connected towards societies, particularly those in Japan, through my watching, I can most certainly say that the overall theme of the suppression of individuals as a means of protecting a bigger entity from something immediately perceived as a threat rather than attemping to rehabilitate said individuals. This is most definitely true in other countries such as America where primary systems indicate that if a person committed a crime to some accord, instead of attempting to rehabilitate them and help them re-enter society, we lock them away as a form of punishment, to which some people, particularly those who are mentally or physically impaired should not have to suffer with.

As a person who sometimes struggles with the balance of life and its many factors and had gone into some rages at times, albeit rarely, I can most certainly connect with the overall characterization of each main character as I wish to live in a world in which we should rehabilitate, not deteriorate further. I most certainly saw this connection with Saki and her relationship with Satoru as a means of reassurance that change will be coming, and that it is the youth who are going to make it possible.

[hmwagner]

Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass is a really interesting example of panopticism. In the show, the Sibyl System is constantly monitoring citizen's psychological states to determine how likely they are to commit a crime. Individuals with a high possibility of committing crime are dealt with, often times lethally. The 24/7 government surveillance is intended to serve as a threat to keep citizens in line. The intense government interference additionally takes away a sense of identity. In attempt to create a crime-free utopia, the Sibyl System is actually creating a codependent dystopia. The surveillance and psychological monitoring are very reminiscent of George Orwell's "1984," especially the "thought crime" scenes from the book.

Something I was able to identify about the Sibyl System was its neoliberal ideas. The citizens' value is determined by their mental status. They are treated as assets rather than real people. The character, Makishima, goes against these neoliberal ideals with his free thinking. He advocates against the Sibyl System and claims its casting a numbness over the citizens. Through violent crimes, Makishima is causing scenes in an attempt to wake them up. Though his methods were unjust, I found myself able to understand the need for freedom under a system like Sibyl.

Psycho-Pass is additionally a very good example of what can happen when technology goes unchecked. It digs up a lot of fears I personally have with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). I also was able to identify with the pressure to maintain stable mental health out of fear of societal consequence. In Psycho-Pass, mental health is heavily stigmatized, and this is representative of a real-world struggle to appear "well" in order to present stability to others. It also goes to say that society, in general, should work to destigmatize mental health, and focus on rehabilitation.

Where does the line between safety and freedom get drawn? Regardless, checks and balances become increasingly important as technology advances.

[grandiosekaiju]

Hello hmwagner,

I think you give a very in-depth analysis on your viewings on the episodes that were required in our watchings of Psycho-Pass. I agree with you on the cases in which this anime seems to embody the fears of the rise of AI and how eventually it will lead to a society that is far from free and constantly living in fear. I found it even more thought-provoking when you connected it to "1984" by George Orwell, which in itself shares similar themes to Psycho-Pass. People are forced to act as what society sees fit, and if someone is to diverge from the norms, they may face heavy scrutiny from those around them and perhaps even some form of punishment, perhaps even severe. Makishima definitely was an example of breaking from the norms as a means of expressing a disdain towards the system, but he was doing it in such a manner that seemed to push even more fear into society rather than trying to push it away. However, as you said in your review, I also found myself agreeing with Makishima in terms of "what" he was fighting for, not "how" he was fighting for it.