AOT ENJOYER

[harryreallylikesfish]

Our Name, Hetalia: Axis Powers, and Sensōron

So, I just finished my consumption of our Name, Hetalia: Axis Powers, and Sensōron, and I have to say, that besides Our Name, I found these to be subpar at best in terms of content. However, In relation to their discussions of nationalism, or rather how they exemplify such ideologies, I found them to be perfect. Oh, also, I just have to say, Our Name has got to have some of the best animation of any anime that I have watched, really wish that such high quality was the norm.

Starting with the most extreme of these pieces of media, I found Sensōron to be horrid. As a far right, neo-nationalist talk piece, this manga was nothing more than a smoldering hunk of nonsense. Through the entirety of the manga, the author is trying to bolster nationalist sentiments through a wide variety of ways, but the most prevalent of them is the same tactic used by far-right groups all over the world, calling everything that does not appeal to your agenda fake. And in Sensōron, the main target for this was Japan’s imperial past, particularly some of its many war crimes, that it has still not apologized properly for. The reason why such things are covered up by such groups is because it makes Japan look bad, and when the goal is to bolster nationalism, you get rid of what makes your country look bad. What’s most notable is that the main tactic used by the author is to demonize anyone and anything that opposes his goals or ambitions, by mocking them outright.

I also liked how Our Name commented on nationalism, because it took a very different approach. It instead tried to appeal to a shared sense of community to bolster national pride. Because of the idea that you will feel more nationalist sentiments if you can actually know and feel connected to your fellow countrymen. And in Japan, this idealized community is the rural village, and thus, this anime calls upon this trope and connects the viewer to it. And this as a whole, makes the viewer feel a connection to the village and thus want to be part of it, the desire to be part of a society with shared values and ideals is the nationalism fostered by this anime. This also contrasts with the nationalist views seen in Hetalia: Axis Powers, because in this anime, the nationalism it fosters is more akin to Sensōron, as it relies on a falsified history to make a narrative where Japan is shown in the best light.

Overall, I really enjoyed this pieces of media and their nationalist themes, or at least, how they depicted such sentiments.

[lvillanti]

I agree with everything you said. First of all, it would be awesome if all anime had animation similar to Your Name. I think it is similar to the full animation idea, where movies can do it because it's not 600 episodes like some anime are. But it would definitely be game-changing if the animation were like that. 

Also, Sensoron was definitely horrid. The agenda of things being fake is spot on. Fake news is rampant if it does not fit your agenda. This is just flat disrespectful to people who are affected by real issues that are deemed as fake. 

I agree with your sentiment on Your Name. It gives a sense of necessity to become closer and more connected to people in rural communities because that is a part of your culture as well. 

[lvillanti]

Your Name/ Hetalia: Axis Powers / Sensoron

I will first start by saying I have never heard of any of these anime before. Watching the lecture and hearing that Hetalia is one of the most popular anime out there was a definite shock to the system because I have no knowledge of it. After consuming the three pieces of fiction, I find Your Name to be by far the best. 

To start, Your Name has clear, incredible visuals. This is the first thing I noticed during the viewing. I also relate to Mitsuha because she lives in a rural town. I lived in a small town for 10 years before moving to a bigger city. And I can completely relate to the idea of wanting to move to a city while living in a small town. I think the movie was showing how people need to connect to their rural counterparts to understand nationalism and to have more of a community. I think this idea was pretty cool. Also, I watched the lecture video and didn’t even think about the idea of there being gender performativity involved in the show. I think this was definitely the best out of the three, however. 

Next is Hetalia. I am again shocked at the supposed popularity because I did not necessarily love the show. It was somewhat comical, though. There were some absurd statements during the show that I found pretty hilarious. I thought the personification of countries and cultures also explored stereotypes more easily and made them seem more outlandish. 

Lastly, the worst one by far is Sensoron. I mean, this is just incredible propaganda that completely ignores important atrocities. I have heard about Nanking and the atrocities that took place, and that is from me, a person living in the United States. To try and hide the fact that Japan did this is pretty terrible to think about. It is completely blindsiding every person in China and Korea affected by these devastating events. I am actually shocked that some people can believe the ideas that were shown in this manga. 

Overall, I did not love this last module, unfortunately, but I think the first movie was pretty good. The topic of nationalism is depicted in all pieces, but some more subtly than others.

[animetedlasso]

Legacies of Worlds Lost

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 brought forth some amazing world building. They both build these worlds after massive destruction have occurred and showcase how people survive. Both worlds make me wonder about living in a world that you didn’t help create or destroy. 

Nausicaa immediately reminded me of the world of Dune. As it seemed to showcase the contrast between those who live in harmony with the harsh environment and those who try and dominate it. Like the Fremen, the people of the Valley exist with the poisoned earth, not against it, and Nausicaa empathy for the Ohmu and the toxic jungle reflects that same ethos of coexistence. Unlike Dune that leans into conquest, Nausicaa leans into healing. Her power doesn’t come from a prophecy or force, but from listening and compassion. On top of that, the animation is amazing and breathtaking with warm skies, haunting forests, and stunning creature designs. 

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was much more layered that I was expecting it to be. The story is super ambitious, original, and packed full. So packed full, it takes a bit to absorb it all. The idea of humans surviving on the backs of dying Titans is visually stunning and compelling. It somehow reminded me of the Lorax. Yes, they both have environmental warnings attached to them, but how people end of living in a hollowed out, artificial version of their world. They hear tales of the past and cling on to them. In Xenoblade, Elysium is that myth. The supposed sacred place aka Heaven that turns out to be nothing more than a man made object. Truly full circle moment of a world that was lost due to human excess. Which is similar to the Lorax, a world lost to human excess. 

Both stories left me thinking about the legacy we want to live this world and the stories that will be told after we are gone. 

[lvillanti]

Both of these worlds were incredibly compelling and post-apocalyptic, which is always fun. I think that showing these worlds as destroyed and trying to fix them could help us try to fix today’s not destroyed world. 

I love the comparison with Dune, and I am equally upset that I did not even think about it. They have two groups of people, one that works with nature and one that works against it. Also, the antagonist is clearly the people who work against it. This is actually a really great parallel. 

Also, I think your Lorax example is spot on as well. Lorax is not just about a fun, magical world, but about the devastation but holding onto the past that they never got to experience. 

[lvillanti]

Nausicaa of The Valley of The Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Going into this, I have never heard of either of these. I actually had zero idea what they were about and what the themes were going to be about. I like how they both commented on the environment and the future of what could happen if humans take it too far. The climate is not too far off from dangerous, especially with the two ways the environment fell apart in the stories. Both of the plausible ways of destruction with the weapons we have today. Even without the weapons, the environment is on the brink of devastation. 

I like how Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was very relatable. The toxins in the soil, the group of people who use the resources of the land for their own sake. It is similar to the situation we have today. There are many toxins in the soil and in the water that can create many issues. These issues were even shown in the movie. The whole movie is very similar to the situation we have today. People use resources and the environment for themselves and do not have a care in the world of what harm and foul could be. This reminds me of deforestation or the endangerment of many animals like elephants, where people take their tusks for ivory and do not care about the actual animal. The show was actually sad because of its relevance, even though it is a foil to our world, because this is what the world is like a thousand years after the devastation, it reminds me of our world and what the future could bring.

 Xenoblade Chronicles 2 seems like a really fun game to play. It is extremely interesting and packed with a lot of layers, like living on Titan's back. The scene where the characters want to go to a place of actual nature and they find out it's man-made, was incredibly well done. The whole resolution promotes environmental saving as well. I think I may play this game after this class is over. 

Overall, I think both of these sources are very impactful and shine different lights on a terrible situation we are headed towards. 

[animetedlasso]

Loneliness by the Moonlight

This anime definitely packed a bigger punch than just the robots. This was a deep dive and excavation of skin, identity, and memory. It made me immediately think about the movie Moonlight while watching Shinji's journey. Both of these media feature and follow a young man's paralyzed by emotional isolation while trying to deal with the pressure to be something they are not.

It seems the more we watch these anime, it continues to be more clear how Japan has very rigid expectations around masculinity, emotional expression, and parenting which Evangelion definitely touches on. They seem to personify that boys needs to avoid vulnerability, and ensure they perform masculine things. These expectations put these characters in a position that they want help or interaction, but don't necessarily know how to ask. I think this is something we can all relate to. I think we all have had moments in our life where we choose to stay silent out of fear. The fear that our truth would push people away. I think Evangelion captures that moment in your head where you have a fear of being seen, but also fear not being seen at all. We want to be noticed, but don't want to be noticed. It is a quagmire of a situation.

The End of Evangelion pushes these boundaries even further. It really makes you think about how easy it might be to give up on yourself when you have yet to feel like you belong. That final scene is a doozy. Choosing pain over oblivion is something crazy to think about. Shinju would rather suffer and feel real than disappear into nothing.

I think both of these main characters in Evangelion and Moonlight ask more than just the question of who am I. I think they want to know if they can still become someone even if they feel broken. I think we all feel broken at one point or another. How we choose to continue is something to be celebrated.

[lvillanti]

Honestly, I think this whole blog is a masterpiece, but especially the second paragraph. It puts into words the paradoxical ideas that I and I assume many others have had in their head. The idea of wanting to be noticed but at the same time not wanting to be noticed is incredibly relatable with the show and me. I think the show’s end of picking struggles over disappearing into nothing is similar to the idea of not choosing to commit. Especially in a situation like Shinji, his whole character is built on insecurities, shame, and depression. He decided to continue the suffering because having individual existence matters. 

[lvillanti]

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Before this, I had never heard of this anime even though I assume it is very popular. I had no idea what to expect from this anime, as I had never seen a mecha anime before. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

Shenji, the main character, was never meant to be the main character. He did not want to be the masculine hero who saves the world. And, I would argue that he really couldn’t be without changing his entire mindset and personality. And then Asuka showed up. This amplifies Shinji’s need for acceptance and insecurities because a woman pilot is representing masculine ideals and is a better pilot than him. I think Shinji’s character is very complex, but also similar to many humans. People have desired to be liked for who they are, and they do not want to change to be accepted. His internal conflicts are complex but relatable. I think the hospital scene was the biggest shock I have ever watched in fiction, other than maybe the Red Wedding. However, I think this is a good example of the complexity of his conflicts. Shinji was so conflicted and had been for so long that he thought this could be a step towards masculinity and acceptance. Obviously, after this incident, he is filled with regret,  but I think the idea of complexity and conflict in his mind still stands. 

I think the show relates to the readings because of the idea of masculinity that was expressed in the readings and the show. Shinji is a prime example of queer masculinity. He is not the confident, hegemonic masculine male you see in some other anime main protagonists. 

Overall, the show was very different from what I expected, and I think that after watching the current anime assigned, Japan and the globe have had and currently have many issues dealing with femininity and masculinity 

[joshleclair10]

Convention: NeoCon

The first word that sprang to mind when I entered NeoCon 2024 in Orlando was surreal. Imagine a sea of colors and props, thousands of people dressed in colorful costumes, and the background music from your favorite anime playing on enormous screens. In the best way possible, it was overwhelming. I've always enjoyed anime from a distance, watching it on my laptop and occasionally reading manga, but it was a whole other experience to be surrounded by other anime fans in person.

The convention's sense of entering a hyperrealized anime culture was among its most striking features. As I observed innumerable cosplayers assuming gender and character identities through meticulously stylized costumes and gestures, Judith Butler's theory of performativity sprang to mind. The characters in some cosplays seemed to have stepped off the screen because they were so realistic. Some were imaginative mash-ups, such as a hybrid of Sailor Moon and Attack on Titan, which got me thinking about postmodern remix culture and how intertextuality is essential to fandom.

The way the convention muddled the distinction between fact and fiction most intrigued me. In class, we’ve talked about Baudrillard’s idea of simulation and the hyperreal, and this space was exactly that. Individuals were using their character names to address one another, posing for pictures as though they were in a different reality, and having conversations that only made sense in anime settings. I briefly lost sight of the fact that I was in Florida and not an anime story.

Another highlight was the panels. I went to one on "The Evolution of Shojo and Gender Representation," which was closely related to the performativity of Sailor Moon and Butler that we have been talking about. The speaker made the case that cosplay carries on the tradition of shojo anime by enabling fans to experiment with gender fluidity and identity play, which provided an early forum for defying strict gender norms. This was demonstrated by the fact that people of all genders were cosplaying as male characters or Sailor Scouts. Seeing how fandom fosters an environment where creativity can subvert social norms was freeing.

Fandom as community was the topic of another panel, which emphasized how conventions give people who might otherwise feel alone in their daily lives a sense of community. This resonated with me because, as someone who frequently watches anime by myself, I understand how effective it is to spread that passion. I didn't know anyone when I first arrived at the My Hero Academia meetup, but by the end, I had exchanged Instagram handles with three individuals who seemed like old friends. That sense of instant connection is part of what makes fan culture so unique.

Naturally, the vendor hall is an essential component of any convention experience. Entering a consumerist dream, or nightmare, depending on your financial situation, was like that. Rare figurines, fan-made artwork, and even personalized kimonos were on sale at rows of booths. I started thinking about our conversation about capitalism and consumerism in fandom culture at this point. Fandom is closely linked to commodification even though it fosters creative expression and identity play. When I witnessed people shelling out hundreds of dollars for limited-edition goods, I couldn't help but wonder if this was a genuine passion or if consumer culture was taking advantage of it. Most likely both.

The cosplay masquerade was among the most memorable events. It was a performance art piece rather than merely a costume competition. In a single evening, the audience was immersed in dozens of distinct anime worlds as each participant fully embodied their character. As I watched this, Butler came to mind once more: these were performances of gender, identity, and cultural belonging rather than merely fictional characters. Social conventions were violated and the "rules" of identity were altered, at least for the duration of the evening, on the masquerade stage.

I felt inspired and thoughtful as I left NeoCon. Meeting people, purchasing merchandise, and taking pictures at the convention were all enjoyable, on the one hand. On the other hand, it forced me to consider fandom as a postmodern cultural phenomenon. Finding a community and navigating identity within media texts is just as important as remixing, subverting, and reimagining them. The most important lesson, in my opinion, is that fandom is a cultural practice that influences our perceptions of the world and ourselves, not just a pastime.

[lvillanti]

Hey! This whole experience sounds so amazing and memorable! I have never been to a convention before, and I have never heard of NeoCon. And, I may have to go if it is always in Orlando because of the way you made it seem. 

I think what really stuck with me was the idea of hyperrealism that you mentioned. I watched that documentary, and it never occurred to me that all of these people are representing fictional characters on a screen. It is almost the opposite of taking something real and representing, because people are taking what is fictional and turning it into real life. 

Meeting other fans and having them seem like old friends is also really interesting. I feel like going to an MHA meetup or any show, for that matter, will create the easiest icebreakers of all time. Everyone knows that they are passionate about the same common interest. And, I think this would be so cool for me because I love talking about my favorite shows or anime to anyone but especially people who have watched the show. 

I am also learning so much about conventions from your blog. I had no idea that they had a huge vendor section for consumers and people who handcrafted stuff to buy. I again find this so interesting. This and the masquerade are so cool. I knew there was a masquerade from the documentary, however, I had no idea what it was. I just knew someone would win a costume contest at the end of it. 

I appreciate you sharing this experience, and I am honestly sort of jealous because it sounds extremely fun. 

[lvillanti]

Convention

I have not been to any conventions in the anime or comic world. So, I watched the True Otaku Documentary. I think I was, unfortunately, somewhat judgmental of people who go to anime or comic book conventions. I think the concept of doing this was so foreign to me that I thought it should be foreign to everyone else, and everyone who was not me and went to these conventions was different. I saw a comment on the video that I saw before watching, and it said something along the lines of my dad told me to never turn into these people. Not that my dad is a hater of people who go to conventions, but it just shows how opposite I am from these people. Nonetheless, this foreign mindset is a negative way to look at things and people, especially because after the documentary, I had a revelation. All of these people in the documentary look happy. It's like, honestly, shocking to me how everyone looks like they are at home and have all of these friends that they have never met before. I think that it was super cool to see all of these people truly being themselves and having a great time. It looked like they were all free and could truly express themselves. At least everyone in the documentary acted and seemed very chill and likeable. My perception of these conventions has definitely changed completely. 

And then, one of the guys said something about sports. This also made me have an epiphany, going to a sports game is very similar to going to a convention. I always go to football games with my dad, and I wear a jersey of some player or I wear a shirt representing the team. This is similar to the cosplay scenarios I saw in the documentary. Now, there are differences, specifically the fact that there is a game being held. But overall, enjoying the sports team and going to their games is similar to going to a convention. I also think that the game is like my happy place, similar to other people with conventions. And the people at the games are usually in an argumentative, drunken state. Peace is not the most common thing found at these events. But, in anime conventions, it looked like peace was very popular and people were very cordial. 

I also think, as much as I thought dressing up was a little odd before I watched the documentary, I would enjoy getting in costume. I love Halloween and think it brings me newfound confidence because of the outfit I am wearing. The fun you can have while wearing a costume of a superhuman that saves the world is immense. I do not believe I would be as passionate as some people are, like Iris. But, then again, I did not think I would enjoy a convention, so now I do not really know. I think the whole cosplay contest is actually pretty interesting. I think I just enjoy people being passionate about things, and the people who cosplay are for sure passionate about anime and their convention. 

Overall, I am pleasantly surprised by watching the documentary. I can neither confirm nor deny that I would love a convention because I am not crazy passionate about anime other than one or two shows. But, I think that it could be a cool experience, which is the opposite of what I was thinking beforehand. I think this also makes me think about the recent modules we have gone over because I was very ignorant of conventions, and this ignorance turned into a negative outlook on the people who go to conventions and the conventions themselves. This ignorance became discriminatory to a certain degree, and I think I need to be better because this close-minded mentality should become obsolete. 

[emmaarmen]

Sailor Moon / Aggretsuko / Wandering Son

Sailor Moon is not my anime vibe but its hard not to know about it since its so popular. In my opinion Sailor Moon anime does a great job at bringing the girl boss vibe into the story line. I do like that this anime brings girlie stuff to the forefront for audiences to enjoy. But at the same time, the anime leaves out a lot of girls out there that simply cannot see themselves in these ultra thin, ultra pretty characters. The anime also portraits very stereotypical issues that all girls are expected to care about. In my opinion, that's why I've never been able to get into Sailor Moon even though some of my friends have. Even my mom has watched the earlier episodes of Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon continues the shallow exploration of what it means to be powerful and be a girl at the same time. So even though, its cotton candy for the eyes it still falls short from being a show that radically re imagines coming of age and the real issues girls care about. Here in Sailor Moon we can still see very performative gender narratives being played over and over again. And even when Sailor Moon gets more characters added, they are just Sailor Moon cloned into other similar female bodies just different hair color.

Aggretsuko is creative in neutralizing gender physically by using anthropomorphic animals to make gender even more obvious. The anime doesn't need to tell us the gender of the characters to address how gender brings misery to the female characters of the show. The anime shows gender performance perfectly to demonstrate how trapped the female characters are by the ever demanding performance they must make in order to keep a job, be liked, get promoted, all to avoid punishment by their fellow co workers, the boss and the institution of work. I love how the anime uses internal monologue to show how much emotional work and control the female characters must exert in order to continue their act of femininity. Its pretty depressing to think that I too will face many of these scenarios as I continue into my adult life.

Wondering Son is by far, in my opinion, the anime that achieves to bring forth the real life struggles of youth trying to break from gender normative behavior. It's heartbreaking to see a young person try to become free and explore their humanness be bullied so much into submission. The anime really points out that the problem is not really Nitori but all those that can't fathom her bravery to become something else than prescribed by the powers that be. Makes me think that Nitori is being punished for more than just not conforming to their gender but to dare to think that somehow they could be something that the others can't; to be free.

[lvillanti]

I sort of agree with your Sailor Moon take. Obviously, not everyone wants to or can be the stereotypical “girlish” girl, and it does seem shallow. But I think that's sort of the point of the show. The show depicts that even the most stereotypical feminine girl can be a girl boss and powerful. So, I agree it is shallow, but I think it can show that even the most stereotypical female could become a boss. 

I agree with your Aggretsuko point. I think usual pieces of fiction do not really show internal dialogue. The famous quote “show, don’t tell,” but I liked how they told us what was going on in her head. We could experience her thoughts and feelings as she was being treated poorly. I think this was extremely useful to depict how difficult it can be for females in the workplace. 

I think Wandering Son was a brutal watch as well. And I think your last sentence really got to me because she was just trying to be free. In all the anime that I have watched and loved, the main protagonist is yearning for freedom, and it feels like there is always restraint. It is so hard to achieve freedom in our minds, and it makes it even harder when people try to bring us down. 

[lvillanti]

Sailor Moon / Aggretsuko / Wandering Son

Throughout the entire show, Sailor Moon is a lighthearted, enjoyable watch about heroine characters. However, the themes of female empowerment are complex, especially given the time of release. I think it was cool how the main character used common feminine products to show power. It connects to the reading by Newsome because the main character is being “girlish” while still being cool and a bada**. Being a superhero while dealing with regular female issues is also a great way to inspire young generations, no matter the era. 

Aggresuko is also a lighter-hearted show; the mix of different animals reminds me of Bojack Horseman. I think the mix of different animals also represents the uniqueness of individuals in society. I do not necessarily have office work experience, but I can agree with the frustration that Retsuko feels. The toxicity of the office is prevalent, and it is simply because she is a female. The death metal rage is pretty funny and relatable. I think we all have emotions masked to be polite and respectful, even if we truly do not feel like the person receiving the courtesy does not deserve it. So, no matter the sex or gender, I think it is relatable, even if the situations are vastly different. 

Lastly, Wandering Son was a pretty sad, but maybe realistic show to watch. I think this show brings me back to the last module about discrimination. The sad reality of people not agreeing or accepting the way people feel is very common. For instance, the sister of Nitori has very polar beliefs then hers. And obviously, treating Nitori poorly is never the best solution, but I do not think people are born having certain beliefs. I think their upbringing has a lot to do with having different beliefs. So, as much as it is the sister’s fault for not accepting her sister, I think society needs to be less discriminatory, no matter the person. Overall, the show explored a foreign topic, but allowed me to be more accepting of everyone through the experience. 

Even though I can not necessarily relate to all three anime, I did find it very insightful on how people can be treated and feel because of their gender or sexuality. 

[animetedlasso]

Embrace your Inner Nerd

Genshiken definitely struck some personal chords, even though I have never been a part of the Japanese otaku culture. The characters in the show love and have a passion for anime and games, which I can relate to that passion. I have always been a huge Spider-Man, comic book, and all around pop culture fan. This love of comic books and nerd culture was not always a popular item, especially growing up when movies and tv were not dominated by Marvel and DC. So, the tension and conflict between passion and public perception is something I am very familiar around, which this show explores. 

Comics weren’t always cool and something you want to bring up, as it was outside the mainstream. There was a bit of shame that lingered around being a fan of nerdy things. Watching Sasahara in Genshiken wrestle with admitting he’s an otaku was very reminiscent of those times growing up. Choosing to hide my love of comics and act like I didn’t know more than I did about these superheroes in conversations. However, things have changed. Marvel has been a juggernaut at the box office lately. We just had Superman debut again at the box office and it was met with praise and good returns. Comic books are celebrated now and have become mainstream to the masses. 

It reminded of a show I loved called Comic Book Men. This was a great show filmed in a comic book store. It showcased collectibles, comics, and other nerd related items. People would come into the shop looking for an item or selling an item. This show really focused on the fandom and the passion people have for this genre. Just like Genshiken taps into the community that forms around these beautiful works of art that some might relate to hold in high standard. I appreciate there was a slow normalization to these character’s passion within the show too. It went from hiding it to finding pride in it. Something I can definitely relate too, as I have made that shift myself. The older I get, the more I accept and celebrate the things I love. This show also reassures the audience that finding people that can share your passion is important. As we grow, get jobs, families, and more responsibilities, having people in your life that celebrate the same passions you have can help you move more gently around this world. At the end of the day, embrace your inner nerd and enjoy life. It’s a much better ride. 

[lvillanti]

I thought your blog was incredibly insightful because of the explosion of pop culture and superhero films, and fiction in America in the past few years. I think this acceleration of fandom has made the word nerd not necessarily cool but also not lame. It is more popular than not to know the names of a lot of superheroes and watch the pieces of fiction about them. I also think the new connotation of nerd or gamer is because of the number of amazing pieces of fiction that have come out since Genshiken. The Dark Knight Trilogy, The Iron Man trilogy, and Marvel have been incredible films, and not just for heroes. Also, the increase in stellar games has made gaming more popular. 

[lvillanti]

Genshiken

As I was watching Genshiken, I related to the idea of identifying as a nerd. I think after the release of this show, there is more of an acceptance of being a nerd. Otaku has had a negative connotation, just like words like gamer or nerd. I, myself, have always enjoyed playing video games and being a nerd, except I, for some reason, do not really like being called a nerd. So, I do relate to struggling to identify as a nerd or, in Sasahara’s case, as an otaku. The show also reminded me of conversations I have had with my friends on hobbies we share. If it were games or shows, we would always get into passionate conversations about the subject. 

I also loved the struggle to join the club that Sasahara wanted to join, but did not want to be involved with the otakus. Sasahara reminded me of myself in high school. I wanted to join many different clubs for a multitude of different reasons, but never really got around to it. Sasahara and I have different reasons; however, Sasahara wanted to but felt too embarrassed. I think I was just too lazy and didn’t necessarily want to try something new. 

The show also struggles with personal identity, such as the season two character Chika. Both Chika and Sasahara have difficulty in accepting their interests and almost feel embarrassed about what they like and are passionate about. The story is not just about anime nerds, but it is about growing confidence and finding self-acceptance by searching for a group of people who are similar to you. The show showcases the importance of friends and making connections as well. 

Overall, even though I am not an otaku, I enjoyed the show because of its fun nature, but also because of the exploration of self-acceptance, personal identity, and the need to find a community. 

[harryreallylikesfish]

Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice

I deeply enjoyed watching Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice and seeing how each of these anime commented on the universality of the human experience through the lens of identity, isolation, and connection. While they went about it in different ways, each of these shows explored our desire for societal connection and the struggle that many are faced with in their search for these relationships.

Naruto, being a shonen anime, very strongly depicts the struggle faced by the individual and the perseverance required of them in this search for community. Naruto is made to face constant challenges and dangers in order to one day be accepted into his village, which he was ostracized from at a very young age. Instead of rejecting the society that pushed him away, he did everything in this power to become part of it. He sought the warmth and embrace of societal recognition that he was willing to, on many occasions, risk his very life to get it. This goes to show the value that many people see in being a recognized member of society. It also goes to show the lengths that many must go through to get this recognition. This narrative shows the sacrifices that one must make, the things they must change about themselves to be accepted into society, that may never fully accept them into it. We can see this in the fact that it is not until many years after Naruto began his journey that he is finally accepted into a full member of society.

Wolf Children takes a very different approach to this same discussion, in that, in this anime it explores the idea of finding one’s community within a larger society, rather than changing oneself to fit into larger society. This anime is all about finding your own identity and it heavily explores having a dual identity and the struggle that many face when trying to come to terms with this. Here, the children are made to choose between their wolf self and their human self. They are not given a middle ground choice but instead made to choose one or the other. They are made to fit into one fixed narrative and are not really given a ground in which they can have both identities simultaneously. It is in this rural village that the children are given the opportunity to explore their personal identities and who they want to be. This goes to show the importance of finding your own community and exploring yourself within it, one doesn’t need to fit into one fixed societal narrative but instead they should be free to explore themselves and who they are.

The finial Anime, A Silent Voice, explores the idea of redemption and the impact that discrimination can have on the individual and the way that society can move forward. This anime was a hard one because of the intense emotional nature of its progression, in particular, the ending of the anime hit me hard. This anime made you think about the desire to make right ones past wrongs and the way to atone, and the solution proposed is that change cannot just be at the individual level, it must happen on the communal level. We must treat all others with dignity and respect; it is our duty to make all feel welcome into society and acknowledge their place within it.

Overall, these Animes were a wonderful watching experience and offered a good look into the lives of those faced with societal discrimination and how society as a whole can move forward and make amends to a past of discrimination.

[lvillanti]

I think this reflection is spot on. The analysis goes deeper into the emotional and philosophical side of these anime and not just the interesting story telling and animation. I also enjoyed these anime for how they highlight the need to belong and find an identity. I thought your point on Naruto was insightful. He strived to be liked by people that do not like him and it shows how far people will go just to feel accepted in a certain community. I liked the contrast between Naruto and Wolf Children. Instead of changing oneself to fit in, it is important to find your true identity using a community. I loved the Silent Voice and the representation of the deaf and other disabilities. We should and need to treat people with respect and dignity no matter the circumstance. 

[lvillanti]

Naruto/Wolf Children/A Silent Voice

I think the majority of people who know any anime know Naruto, but I haven’t watched Naruto until watching these few episodes. This decision was solely based on the number of episodes there are because I know it is highly recommended. After watching these episodes, I was reminded of Attack on Titan. Eren, the main character, had similar beliefs to Pain. They both were brought up through suffering and watching loved ones die. They also both believed that the only way for peace was violence, especially after the discrimination their people had gone through. They “needed to fight”. However, I think Naruto brought a different outlook on the resolution because he found a way to make peace and explored the idea of having peace prevail without violence. Naruto is a better peace negotiator than the Marleyians, though. I think the discrimination Naruto felt was wrong, but almost justified from the village’s point of view. After what happened to the village and Naruto, I think I would find it difficult not to be frightened and cautious of his abilities. So, in this situation, I believe discrimination isn’t right, but at the same time, I can not blame them for being discriminatory. This is why discrimination is not a black and white subject, as I wish it could be. Everyone should be as open-minded as possible and not discriminate, but due to certain history and conflict, it may be hard to do so. 

The movie Wolf Children was not an easy watch, but I did relate to it. I am not a werewolf, but I am a younger brother to a sister, and we do not always see eye to eye. It sucks because I would obviously want my sister and I to be best friends, and sometimes we are, but usually we are in two separate worlds. The ending gives me a lot of hope because of its maturity. They both come to an understanding about who each of them is and their differences. The discrimination in this movie is prominently shown. These two kids have to grow up and can never truly be themselves. I think the harassment they go through is uncalled for and very close-minded, but the system that they live in is just unfortunate. By the way the movie makes it seem, these two kids are the only ones of their kind, so I would expect the system they live in not to be as conducive as it would be if they were only human or only wolf. This situation is unfortunate like Naruto’s, but the key difference is that Naruto could resolve the discrimination by becoming a super powerful being that is trustworthy, but these two kids couldn’t ever have the perfect solution to the discrimination. 

And finally, A Silent Voice was a heartwrenching film and gave me a great outlook on what it would be like to be disabled in some way. I feel very privileged after this film. But I think the climax of the film, Shoya falling off the balcony, was horrible to watch, but almost a necessity to see true resolution from him. Him saving the girl he bullied from death was how to truly forgive his mistakes. Also, I think Ueno was a fantastic character to have in this film. Obviously, she was a horrible person, but to have the belief that Shoko ruined her elementary school experience is lunacy and horrific. It makes me wonder how many of these people are out there. It also gives me more insight into how people with disabilities are looked upon and how discriminating people like Shoko is saddening. 

[thecapybarawhisperer-deactivate]

Surveillance and the Fear of Dangerous Kids

Shin Sekai Yori messed me up a little. I was not expecting a show that looked that soft and peaceful to spiral into such a brutal look at kids being watched and controlled every second of their lives. About halfway through, it hit me that this wasn’t just some fantasy world, it was a massive metaphor for real surveillance and how we handle the fear of kids going “bad.” In the lecture on Shin Sekai Yori, it talked about how the whole society is basically set up to constantly test and weed out any kid that might become dangerous later. Once you see that, you can’t unsee it.

It reminded me of the ABC News article on using AI to catch mass shooters before they act. The idea sounds good on paper, like, who wouldn’t want to stop a shooting, but it means kids grow up constantly being watched, scanned, and judged just in case they’re the next threat. The more I thought about it, the more it felt like the world of Shin Sekai Yori isn’t as far off as it looks.

Plus, after reading the Arai article on the “wild child” of 90s Japan, it made even more sense why a show like this would come from Japan. That case where a 14-year-old killed another kid and the media lost it? That seemed like a turning point, where suddenly any kid could secretly be a monster. The lecture on the wild child went deeper into that too, how it led to more surveillance in schools and even from doctors and parents. It’s like society decided that the only way to feel safe is to monitor kids at all times.

Honestly, I kept thinking about the weird lockdown drills we did in high school, where they made us hide in corners and be dead silent like we were prey. Shin Sekai Yori took that vibe and made it the entire world. Watching it after all these readings and lectures made me feel like we’re all just living in a softer version of that society, especially with AI watching us now.

[lvillanti]

I think using the ABC article was insightful. I had never seen that, but I did know that messages could be surveilled. And, I agree with your take exactly, like yes, it would be amazing if we could prevent all school shootings. But, for the cost of being constantly watched and monitored seems like it could be too much. Is the benefit of more security worth the decreased freedoms?

 I also think the Wild Child point was spot on. Kids are rarely ever evil enough to do anything bad, and yet we are all over monitoring them and disciplining them 24/7, even though adults are the ones known to be criminals and lunatics. The show was for sure a horrifying insight into our future, but also our present. 

[lvillanti]

Shin Sekai Yori

Shin Sekai Yori reminded me of the most recent watch, Psycho-Pass. The world poses as utopian, but is in fact a dystopian world. The constant surveillance is another reminder of Psycho-Pass; however, there are some key differences. Shin Sekai Yori involves mostly children and the surveillance and discipline of kids. Also, the way the two worlds treat the “bad” people is vastly different. I think Shin Sekai Yori is more eerie and realistic. 

The way that there is constant surveillance of children is very similar to today’s world. I feel as though my internet interactions are being tracked and surveilled just as the majority of others in society today. Messages in different apps are watched over to ensure the safety of people; however, this seems like an invasion of privacy, and if messages are misinterpreted, then it can cause dangerous consequences for the user. Overall, the constant surveillance is shared between the real world and the story of Shin Sekai Yori. The use of fear-mongering is also very prevalent in this show. There are many stories told to instill fear in the children, to avoid deviation, and ensure peace. This is also very similar to our world, where political advertisements often use fear-mongering to gain support and create a loyal following. In some cases, fear is also used as a tool to enforce social order and maintain a civil society. Even though this anime is set in a future setting, I am worried about seeing similarities to our world today.

 Also, this anime has a close semblance to the article read, “The Wild Child”. I had never heard of this story that was public in Japan; however, it clearly had a major impact on society. I never really comprehended children to be the “bad guy” until now. The amount of discipline children have for being at all different is scary, but common. And this show clearly highlights the amount of surveillance and discipline children have to go through. 

[harryreallylikesfish]

Psycho-Pass

I just finished watching the Anime Psycho-Pass, all I can say now is wow! Not only was the anime visibly pleasing to watch, in terms of its animation, but it also provided a wonderful commentary on the consequences of a society whose members face constant surveillance. In this Anime a system called the Sybil System was created to maintain a peaceful and orderly society. And the main way that it accomplishes this task is by reading an individual’s psyche and then assigning them a color based on their current emotional and phycological state. This is paired with what is called a crime coefficient, which is a numerical value which is meant to represent an individual’s likelihood of committing a crime or otherwise disrupting society.

This Anime really made me think about the current state of our world, we are constantly under surveillance to the point that it is natural to assume that no matter where you are, there is a camera watching you. And I think it is the thought that you are possibly being watched that deters many people from committing crimes. People are made to regulate themselves.

In the show, what really drove home this idea to me was when the team goes to investigate a murder in the drone-controlled mall where pretty much every task is handled by AI. The murderer, Senguji, was able to get away with literally hunt people and be undetected because he was able to keep his Psycho-pass clear. He was never suspected because he was a psychopath, but overall, this made me think about how the treat of surveillance doesn’t make people better, it just makes them afraid of getting caught.

The Psycho-Pass system operates on cold logic and doesn’t really leave any room for anything else, and I think it is this fact that makes it so flawed even conceptually. There is so much that goes into our human thoughts and actions that simplifying it down to a simple color or number is a gross oversimplification that neglects what makes us human. And that is the fact that we are complicated, and we change so much from instant to instant that we are not set in stone. The thought of punishing someone for a temporary mental down is insane to me.

At the end of the day, I thought this anime provided a good look into the state of surveillance in our world and gave an example of one possibility of the world if we continue on the path that we currently follow.

[lvillanti]

I liked the example you gave of the murderer getting away undetected because his psycho-pass was clear. It obviously shows the failures of the system and the result of it. As you mentioned, the constant surveillance doesn’t positively change people. It just conceals people’s true identity. And, this is very relatable in today’s society because people on TV or social media put on a persona and act like different people just to be praised and respected, and not because they are good people. I also agree with you about what makes us humans. We are the most complicated animals with the craziest brain power. Systems like the Sybil system can not just classify any one mind into a certain status. This is completely overlooking anything that makes us human. But at the end of the day, that is kind of the point of the show: creating mindless livestock instead of actual humans.