Browsing Articles
BBC News on Beckii Cruel
Date: 2010 February 10 07:24 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Fandom
BBC News have an interesting article about Beckii Cruel a girl who dances to anime theme music and J-Pop on YouTube. Internet sensation then followed and she even got to fly out to Akihabara to perform. She releases her debut album on Wednesday. DVDs are also available.
Her father said:
"So far it's been a tremendous adventure, not many teenage girls get to travel across the globe and have this sort of exposure".
What's also nice to note is responsible parenting (instead of paranoia about the internet):
"We've brought our children up with the internet, they've always had access to it."
"Rebecca is well aware of the online dangers, she's been well advised and has told us when there have been problems."
Rebecca got into anime fandom when she picked up a copy of Fruits Basket.
Souce: BBC News
Tokyo City Promotion in London
Date: 2010 January 29 08:49 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
In London this weekend? Looking for something interesting to do? On Saturday 30th January to Sunday 31st January there will be a Tokyo Day. Aimed at promoting the Japanese city as a tourist destination the free event is divided into 3 zones. Traditional Culture, Experience Tokyo and Modern Culture.
The event will be held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre near Westminster Tube station.
Opening hours are 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
Souce: Tokyo City Promotion
Original Laughing Man Creator Dies
Date: 2010 January 28 17:14 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
Author JD Salinger dies, aged 91. Anime fans who have seen Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex, will be aware of the Laughing Man. The Japanese producers of the series created the antagonist after being inspired by a short story by JD Salinger, which was called The Laughing Man.
The logo used in Ghost In the Shell : Stand Alone Complex also references Catcher in the Rye, his best known work.
Souce: BBC News
Dogs as fashion accessories
Date: 2010 January 18 17:21 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
It's well know that cute things are popular in Japan. BBC News have an interesting article about dogs in Japan that are used as fashion accessories.
It highlights the lucrative business of doggy fashion and how papered the pups get well groomed in special beauty parlours (which isn't that uncommon in the UK and US).
The article has lots of pictures of dogs dressed up in clothes apparently dungarees are fashionable for dogs in Tokyo this year. It also points out that due to the declining birth rate in Japan dogs are said to outnumber children under the age of 10. As a result dogs are pushed around the cities in buggies instead.
It also briefly covers the trend of cat cafes where you can rent cats to pet by the hour.
Souce: BBC News
Manga Inspired Textiles from Ikea
Date: 2010 January 11 17:37 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Retail
A keen eyed Otaku News reader has sent us details about the latest range of IKEA Textiles. The flat pack furniture store is probably best known to otaku alike as the place to go to get Billy Bookshelves to store manga and stuff.
The website Ikea Fans has details about the new manga inspired IKEA Textiles.
Read More... | Souce: Ikea Fans
Comiket 77
Date: 2009 December 30 07:30 | Posted By: Franki WebbCategory > Events
A man sits in the corner of the busy square caressing his gun then pointing it at a bunch of schoolgirls who shriek in excitement and begin flashing the cameras, while another man beside him dressed elaborately in leather swishes his cape to an amused crowd of photographers. Welcome to Comiket!
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
History Girls
Date: 2009 December 29 10:04 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Fandom
BBC News have an interesting video about History Girls in Japan. The video shows girls who like to cosplay has historical Japanese characters including shinsengumi the samurai police with distinctive blue and white uniforms. The girls with an interest in history are known as rekijo, or History Girls. Making it one of the buzz words for 2009
The article mentions it's more about fantasy than historical accuracy and highlights that many girls get into the historical side of things through games like Dynasty Warriors. They point out that historical men were more rugged than today's modern wimpy men too.
Souce: BBC News
Santa Penguins of Matsue City
Date: 2009 December 08 04:17 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Freaky Things
BBC News have an amusing article about the Santa Penguins of Matsue City. The article includes a video of the 5 African penguins who parade around a local park in Santa costumes. The handmade costumes consist of a red cape, with small bell along with a white trim. The parade is due to take place everyday until Christmas. It's not every day you see cosplaying penguins! We wonder if they dress as Pen Pen for the rest of the year?
Souce: BBC News
Looking for Anne wins Asian First Films Festival Awards
Date: 2009 December 07 17:13 | Posted By: Joe
Looking for Anne a Japanese feature film inspired by Anne of Green Gables has won the prestigious Asian First Films Festival Award in Singapore.
It's the first feature for Director Takako Miyahira. The film won best film and best director.
According to an Associated Press article -"The feature film 'Looking for Anne,' directed by 30-year-old Japanese film director Takako Miyahira, wowed the juries at the festival."
It's the first time a Japanese film has won an award at the festival which as been running for 5 years.
The film tells the tale of a 17-year-old Japanese girl's visit to a rural Canadian island to look for a Canadian World War II veteran who was her late grandmother's first love and had given her grandmother a book, Anne of Green Gables.
Souce: Breitbart.com
The rise of Japan's girlie man generation
Date: 2009 November 06 11:48 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
The Times has a fascinating article about the rise of Japan's 'girlie man' generation. Known as the herbivore generation these fashionable men turn away from the traditional life of the corporate salaryman. Not keen on drinking or expensive cars.
The article highlights that rather than grinding away at the work place they'd rather have a much more fulfilling life.
"They are thrifty and abhor consumerism."
"In every Japanese convenience store are special sections devoted to men's cosmetics, eyebrow shapers, packets of disposable wipes for dealing with sweat and body odor, skin whitener. The herbivores may not buy beer and cars but they spend on keeping themselves odourless, hairless and pale. Their clothes come from cheap, fashionable chains such as Uniqlo. This week, Shinya Yamaguchi, 23, a fashion designer, launches his latest collection of skirts and lacy tops - all aimed at men. Many of Japan's younger male celebrities, bands such as Arashi and actors like Eita, Teppei Koike and Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, project an effeminate, herbivorous look."
So is the herbivore the next stage of evolution for the bishie?
Souce: The Times
WOTA London Gig in November 2009
Date: 2009 November 01 16:13 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
London Fans of J-Pop, Vocaloid Songs, moe and anime music should head over to WOTA London on Saturday 21st November 2009, from 5pm to 10p, at the Freedom Bar in Soho, Central London.
This event is billed to support those otaku that loves otaku culture. Great for those who want to dance the night away.
Souce: WOTA London
Animation industry in the UK and Japan Symposium
Date: 2009 October 23 15:05 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
Academic anime fans will want to get London on Friday 30th October 2009 for the Animation industry in the UK and Japan: Creativity, identity and the global marketplace. It's going to run in Council Room, Strand Campus, King’s College London.
It's free to attend but booking in advance is required. We suggest you book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Read More... | Souce: King\'s College London
The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan
Date: 2009 October 19 15:18 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Fandom
Contributing writer for G-FAN magazine Armand Vaquer has sent us details about a new travel guide he's written called The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.
The travel guide is due out next month and will retail for $15 a copy.
Read More... | Souce: Armand Vaquer\'s Blog
Plastic Food in Japan
Date: 2009 October 18 16:40 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Cuisine
BBC News have an interesting video feature on the Plastic Food common in Japan. The title of the article states that the food is common in Tokyo, when in fact plastic food used for window displays is pretty common all over Japan.
It shows the workshop where they make the plastic food. Firstly they take silicon casts of the real food, then use that as mould to make plastic copies. They are then painted. Pretty much anything you can imagine is made at the workshop, from bowls of rice, noodles, soup, Pork Katsu, Ice Cream Sundae, even beer.
Souce: BBC News
Former Japanese Prime Minster Koizumi to star in new Ultraman movie
Date: 2009 October 17 14:38 | Posted By: JoeFormer Japanese Prime Minster Junichiro Koizumi will helping Japanese superhero Ultraman out in his new movie. The popular former leader will be voicing the roll of Ultraman King. The film is currently in production is titled Mega Monster Battle Ultra Galaxy: The Movie. It's due for release in Japan on 12th December 2009.
Souce: Reuters
The Art of Osamu Tezuka God of Manga out November 2009
Date: 2009 October 13 15:40 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Anime
Fans of Osamu Tezuka, the founding father of modern anime and manga will be pleased to hear that a new book is due out November 2009. Written by prominent anime and manga expert Helen McCarthy the hardcover book published by Ilex Press reveals what makes Tezuka one of the key figures of 20th century pop culture.
It includes 350 colour illustrations and a 45 minute DVD documentary never aired outside of Japan before.
The publication coincides with the annual Comica Festival.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Buy from Amazon.com
Read More... | Souce: Ilex Press
Reni's new songs and CD on sale now.
Date: 2009 October 11 16:53 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
Fans of Akiba culture, especially singing maids based in New York will be pleased to hear that Reni Mimura’s new songs and CD are on sale at http://www.renireni.com/.
Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog
UNESCO lists Japan's intangible cultural heritage treasures
Date: 2009 October 05 17:34 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
AFP have posted details about UNESCO's latest additions to the list of intangible cultural heritage.
The Tango has been given most of the headlines, but Japan has 13 additions. Mostly folk dances and processions, including the float-ceremony in Kyoto to a seventh century rice harvest ritual from Akiu. Sekishu-Banshi paper making techniques were also added as well as the Ojiya-chijimi and Echigo-jofu art of making hand-woven, tie-dyed fabrics from the ramie plant.
Souce: AFP / Yahoo! News
Kashiwa Mystery Cafe
Date: 2009 October 01 03:41 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
Not knowing what to order at a cafe? Or fancy a surprise? Mac software developer Cabel Maxfield Sasser has discovered the solution. At the Kashiwa Mystery Cafe. Essentially it's a bit of performance art. You order and pay for something, and then you get what the previous person ordered. For example if you ordered a lemonade, you'd get an orange juice, and the person who orders after you gets a lemonade and so on...
Officially called the Ogori Cafe, the idea is to treat someone.
It's an interesting experiment. Of course if you can't read Japanese this can be very confusing!
Souce: Cabel\'s Blog
Japanese Maid Show October 4th in NYC
Date: 2009 September 29 14:30 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
Fans of Akiba culture in NY should head over to Top Tunes Karaoke Bar on October 4th 2009 where Japanese Copsplay Singer Reni will perform anime songs and J-Pop.
Read More... | Souce: Reni
NHK World TV in the UK
Date: 2009 September 20 16:11 | Posted By: Joe
UK based readers who are keen to watch Japanese TV in English, will be pleased to hear that NHK World broadcasts on Satellite. Viewers should tune into Sky Channel 516 or Freesat Channel 209. The channel is included in all Sky Packages.
The channel includes Japanese News, TV shows about Japanese Culture, Business Shows, Tokyo Fashion and lots of other arts.
The full schedule can be found on the NHK World TV Website.
Read More... | Souce: NHK World TV
MTV Iggy on Otaku Culture
Date: 2009 September 10 14:36 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Fandom
The good folks at MTV Iggy (which is focused on breakthrough music and pop-culture from around the globe) have sent us details of their new feature - Otaku Culture.
They've got a couple of videos up from Otakon 2009 in Baltimore. It includes some otaku steampunk culture along with a video on ball jointed dolls. They've also got details of J-Rockers VAMPS, and plenty more to explore too.
Souce: MTV Iggy
Joanna Lumley Catwoman in Japan
Date: 2009 September 06 08:47 | Posted By: Joe
UK based fans of felines of should tune into ITV 1 on Sunday 6th and 13th of September 2009 at 7pm to catch Joanna Lumley Catwoman. The actress turns "cat detective" and travels around the world, one of her stops is Japan, where she'll meet a Japanese cat fashion designer (we also suspect a mention of Hello Kitty).
The world's largest cat festival in Belgium, should also prove interesting, as we've heard rumours in the past about Jiji from Kiki's Delivery Service making the odd appearance there.
Souce: ITV
Bunny Cafes in Japan
Date: 2009 August 30 11:42 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
BBC News have an interesting article about the current trend in Japan of Bunny Cafes. The article focuses on one in Nagoya, which allows visitors to pet cute rabbits, eat rabbit themed food (nothing with carrots in, just cute pictures of bunnies on). Guests can even bring their own pet bunnies to socialise.
Souce: BBC News
Japan Matsuri Festival in London September 2009
Date: 2009 August 27 14:35 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
London based readers should head over to Spitalfields on Saturday September 19th 2009 for the Japan Matsuri. A Matsuri is a festival with lots of stalls, food, fun and games along with plenty to see and do. It's set to run from 10am to 8pm.
A few readers might remember that this is not the first Matsuri in London. The last major one was at Hyde Park on 19th and 20th May 2001! As they don't happen as often as we like we strongly suggest you get to this one for all the festivities.
Read More... | Souce: Japan Matsuri
Dogu Ceramic Figures at the British Museum from September 2009
Date: 2009 August 23 11:15 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
London based fans of ancient Japanese art, that has influenced anime, manga and video games should head over to the British Museum.
From 10th September 2009 to 22 November 2009 they'll be hosting an exhibition on The power of dogu: ceramic figures from ancient Japan. The exhibition is free to get into. No tickets are required, you can just walk into the museum and walk over to Room 91 to see this great bit of cultural history.
Read More... | Souce: British Museum
Emotion is all in the Eyes for East Asian People
Date: 2009 August 22 13:28 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
BBC News have published the details of a study by a team from Glasgow University. The study showed that different cultures read different facial expressions differently.
They discovered that East Asian participants in the study focused mainly on the eyes, but those from the west read the whole face.
"The paper states that the Eastern participants used a culturally specific decoding strategy that was inadequate to reliably distinguish the universal facial expressions of fear and disgust.
It concluded that information from the eyes is often ambiguous and confusing in these expressions, with consequences for cross-cultural communication and globalisation."
The researchers also cited the difference between western emoticons - :-) and Eastern emoticons - ^_^.
Souce: BBC News
BBC News Stroll around Akihabara
Date: 2009 July 09 08:36 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
BBC News have just published an interesting article about their stroll in Akihabara the otaku heartland.
The article introduces readers to the area, then they go on a tour around the district. They cover the hardware hacking scene in the area, focusing on the component shops. This is then followed by a mention of the surveillance equipment available. It then concludes with the homemade software culture, the article calls it unlicensed software, but we think they mean doujin software.
"This underground amateur culture has always been a big part of Akihabara and 'otaku' culture, back from home made comic books, now moving into homemade hardware and software."
Souce: BBC News
British fans of Manba
Date: 2009 July 04 07:59 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
BBC News have discovered the Manba scene in the UK. The article titled Japan's fashion rebellion goes West, features two fans of the Japanese fashion, along with a video of them Para-para dancing and a separate video interview.
"British teenagers like 18-year-olds Eilish and Declan got caught up in manba after an interest in Japanese culture led them to start researching on the internet, where they came across the style."
They've discovered how to apply the make-up by watching videos on YouTube, and use Japanese social networking site Mixi to keep up with Japanese people who are also into manba fashion. The article also mentions they meet up with other mamba fans in London's Chinatown.
Souce: BBC News
Shinto Shrine Blesses Gadgets
Date: 2009 June 29 04:13 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Technology
Wired are currently running a feature article about the technology blessings at the Kanda Shrine near Akihabara in Tokyo. For a small fee (800 Yen, which is about 5GBP or 8 USD) you can get good luck charms that look like microchips to protect your favourite gadget, or for 5,000 Yen (about 30 GBP / 50 USD) you can get a private blessing ceremony.
Apparently the Shinto shrine started doing IT blessings when Windows XP went on sale in Japan. The local otaku started to snap up the protection talismans to prevent system crashes, and from then on the requests started flooding in. Apart from gadgets the shrine will even bless blogs and ISP services!
Update: Spike reminds me that we covered this story last year, before it was covered on Wired.
Souce: Wired
Hiromi Plays Jazz at the London Barbican
Date: 2009 June 12 14:27 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
London based fans of Jazz will want to head over to Barbican on Friday 10th July 7.30pm see Hiromi, Yaron Herman Trio, Tineke Postma Quartet featuring Geri Allen and Terri Lyne Carrington perform some jazz.
Read More... | Souce: London Barbican
Sashiko Quilting in London June 2009
Date: 2009 June 11 16:33 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
Fans of traditional Japanese quilting in London should head over to The Japan Foundation on Tuesday 30th June 2009. Michele walker will be exploring the world of Sashiko.
Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation
Japanese Art Festival in Richmond July 2009
Date: 2009 May 31 10:51 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
UK readers who are able to get to Richmond in Surrey, should keep the weekend of the11th and 12th July 2009 free. As they'll be a Japanese Art Festival at Richmond Adult Community College. Entry to the event is free. They'll be stuff to do for anime and manga fans, long with people with an interest in Japanese culture.
They're also looking for gophers, so please do get in touch with them if you can help out.
Souce: Japanese Art Festival
Ryuichi Sakamoto:Playing the Piano 2009 Europe
Date: 2009 May 30 07:45 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
We've discovered the details of Ryuichi Sakamoto's European Tour. You may have heard the musician's music in many films.
He'll be in the UK from end of November to the beginning of December 2009. As always with these events we advise in booking early to avoid disappointment.
If you want to keep up to date with Ryuichi Sakamoto, you can also follow him on Twitter.
Read More... | Souce: Ryuichi Sakamoto
Ideas from a Japanese Garden
Date: 2009 April 06 17:37 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
Fans of Japanese inspired art will want to visit the Barbican in London on Wednesday 22nd April 2009 on 6:45pm to see Ideas from a Japanese Garden. Where Marc Treib, Professor of Architecture Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley and author of A Guide to the Gardens of Kyoto, examines key ideas behind historical garden design in Japan, and considers their potential relevance to art in the West. Admission is free.
Read More... | Souce: Barbican
Interview with Helen McCarthy
Date: 2009 April 05 16:42 | Posted By: EeeperCategory > Anime
Audio interview with Japanese culture expert Helen McCarthy in conjunction with Irish Film Institute.
Read More... | Souce: Eeeper\'s Choice Podcast / Otaku News
Volunteers needed for Japanese Charity Film Festival in London
Date: 2009 March 31 14:44 | Posted By: Joe
We've got a request from our chums asking for some help with Japanese charity and their Film Festival in the National Gallery, London.
They need help promoting the event and at the event itself. The kind of people they are looking to help appear to be our readership. ^_-
They want volunteers on or before 15th-17th April 2009.
Read More... | Souce: National Gallery
English National Gallery to host Japanese Film Festival
Date: 2009 March 31 13:13 | Posted By: EeeperThe National Gallery in London is to host a Japanese Film Festival (including Barefoot Gen) in aid of Japan Care for the Elderly from 15-17 April.
Read More... | Souce: National Gallery London
Hiroki Azuma's OTAKU: Japan's Database Animals book
Date: 2009 March 26 17:36 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
We've been sent the details of Hiroki Azuma's best selling book OTAKU: Japan's Database Animals. The English translation of the book is due out this April.
Update: We've also got a review of OTAKU: Japan's Database Animals.
[Pre-order Paper Back on Amazon.com]
[Pre-order Paper Back on Amazon.co.uk]
[Pre-order Hardcover on Amazon.com]
[Pre-order Hardback on Amazon.co.uk]
Read More... | Souce: University of Minnesota Press
Japan wins top country at Wanderlust awards
Date: 2009 March 23 16:43 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
Travel Magazine Wanderlust have just announced their annual travel awards. Japan won top country.
Wanderlust readers were:
"... mesmerised by its man-made attractions: Tokyo's 'fluorescent skyscapes', its indoor rollercoasters, hi-tech loos and hotels boasting 'unbelievable levels of service and comfort'."
Readers also were moved by the "country’s ancient culture and underlying serenity".
The article reads like everything an otaku already knows about Japan. ^_^
Souce: Wanderlust
BBC Four Japan Season
Date: 2009 March 15 16:16 | Posted By: JoeWe really should scour the Radio Times more often. UK fans of Japanese culture will be very pleased to see that BBC Four are currently running a Japanese Culture Season.
Read More... | Souce: BBC Four
An interview with Andrew Driver
Date: 2009 February 13 17:19 | Posted By: EeeperCategory > Anime
In April 2009, Alma Books will publish an English translation of Yasutaka Tsutsui's novel Paprika. The basis of Satoshi Kon's award-winning animated film of the same name, the English translation was handled for Alma by Andrew Driver. Otaku News can now present an interview with Mr. Driver which he graciously agreed to do with Eeeper on behalf of Otaku News in which he talks about his work on the novel.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Snow Monkeys of Japan
Date: 2009 February 13 14:10 | Posted By: JoeUK TV viewers may want to tune into BBC 2 on Friday 13th February at 8pm to catch the Natural World Documentary on the Snow Monkeys of Japan. The film focuses on 3 groups of monkeys. The urban scavengers, the mountain dwellers and the famous snow monkeys of Japan. The snow monkeys are known for their love of the local natural hot-springs.
Souce: BBC 2
Japanese Maid Show March 1st in NYC
Date: 2009 February 10 15:42 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
We've received a press release that'll interest our readers in New York City, or who can get to the big apple on March 1st 2009. Top Tunes will be hosting a Japanese Maid Show.
Read More... | Souce: Reni\'s Blog
Japanese Art Festival in Richmond Reminder
Date: 2009 February 10 15:28 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
Just a quick reminder to our readers in the UK who can get to Richmond Surrey. They've released more details about the free Japanese Art Festival which starts on midday Saturday 28th February and is set to run until Sunday 1st March 2009.
Guests include anime expert Helen McCarthy, talented artist Sonia Leong and Akemi Solloway who is a lecturer on both traditional and modern Japanese culture.
Read More... | Souce: Japanese Art Festival
The Artistic Bento of AnnaTheRed
Date: 2009 February 05 08:57 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Cuisine
Wired are running and interesting story about AnnaTheRed’s Bento Creations. Wired have published an interview with her and also put a gallery of her work on-line. More can also be seen on her Flickr page.
The food looks divine and is made for her lucky boyfriend. Themes for her bento include Totoro, Katamari, Wall-E, Link (from Zelda), Smash Bros, Spirited Away and Kiki's Delivery Service.
Souce: Wired
Phoenix Wright: The Musical
Date: 2009 January 19 17:54 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
Japan Probe have an interesting story about Phoenix Wright: The Musical. Performed by an all-female musical theatre group Takarazuka Revue. All the roles in the musical are played by females, including Phoenix himself.
The article states that the main demographic for the Takarazuka Revue is mostly women, split between college age and over 60s. The show opens in Japan on February 5th 2009.
Souce: Japan Probe
Tokyo City Promotion 2009 in London
Date: 2009 January 16 09:10 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Events
London anime fans are a in for a real treat on Saturday 31st January 2009, where a special Tokyo Day will be running. Organised by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Day is set to be packed with tons for otaku to see and do.
The event will be held at Lawrence Hall at the Royal Horticultural Halls and Conference Centre.
Admission is free. It's set to run from 10am to 8pm.
Read More... | Souce: Tokyo City Promotion 2009
Cat Cafes in Tokyo
Date: 2009 January 14 08:58 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
BBC News have an amusing story about the current trend in Akihabara - Cat Cafes. The article mentions Ja La La Cafe, where clients pay by the hour for the company of cats petting and photographing them. We've heard of these pet rental places before. Most Japanese apartments don't allow pets, and for many jet setting business people pet ownership isn't practical, so the pet cafes have sprung up as a result.
Read More... | Souce: BBC News
Mixi Nengajou New Years Cards
Date: 2008 December 31 11:45 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
A keen eyed Otaku News reader has sent us details a clever idea used by Mixi, the Japanese Social Networking Site. The Mixi Nengajou site allows you to send Japanese New Year Cards to other Mixi users, even if you don't know their postal address. The site is a spin off from Mixi and uses the receivers registered address to send the real world post card. If the user does not have a registered address, it will ask them to do so in order to received a card.
With over 400 designs to chose from (including anime and manga designs), the idea seems like a sure fire winner. It'll be interesting to see if any other similar Social Network Sites in the west pick up similar ideas.
Souce: Asiajin
K-20 Japan's Answer to Super Heroes
Date: 2008 December 29 16:52 | Posted By: JoeCategory > Culture
Super Heroes aren't something that springs to mind when you think of Japanese pop culture. The Japan Times has an interesting article about a new movie K-20 and it's take on super heroes. The article also suggests reasons why the super hero genre isn't that popular in Japanese pop culture -
"One reason, perhaps, is that in a group-oriented society, human superheroes may seem arrogant - or even offensive."
Souce: Japan Times
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