An intent of this blog is to bring two polarizing ideas, anime and Christian spirituality, together. Of course, it’s not surprising that these two topics have little surface relationship to each other, as Japan has only a small Christian population. That said, I think it’s worth exploring the convergence of Christianity and Japanese society, religion… Read More Yuki-Anne in Japan: Introduction and Arrival
You don’t have to be an expert in anime to understand that a generation gap is developing between twenty-somethings and younger fans of the medium. Patrick W. Galbraith, in his book, The Otaku Encyclopedia, calls of the post-Evangelion fans the “fifth wave.” This is my wave – the time period in which I became hooked on anime. And just as with most people, I believe my wave to be best.
Because we’re entering a new wave, shows that aren’t too old, but are from a past generation, are now considered classics. Case in point: Cowboy Bebop. If any show can be called “universally acclaimed,” it’s this one. If you’re sixth generation an unfamiliar with the show, it follows a group of bounty hunters traveling throughout the solar system. That short summary hardly does the show justice, though. It explores a number of themes, including one of particular interest to me: the them of letting people go to make their own decisions. And this idea is one that is vital to Christianity.
By the way, spoilers abound below…… Read More Do You Love Me Enough to Let Me Go?
Crystal White of Japanator is attending the New York Anime Festival (NYAF), and posted some interesting remarks about a session she attended. Did you know that Shinigami, translated as Death Gods, are part of the ever-present syncretism in Japanese religion? However, the idea is neither Shinto nor Buddhist: its roots are in western tradition. Read… Read More Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Shinigami Syncretism
Anime News Network to Begin Simulcasting News: Anime News Network, which offers a streaming video service, will be streaming episodes of select series, like Oreimo and togainu no chi ~Bloody Curs~, which are currently airing in Japan.Views: It’s nice to see a trusted source entering the simulcast business. This offers yet another outlet to those… Read More Week in Review (Oct 2 – 8)
One of my very favorite mediums, anime-related or not, is fan fiction. It’s a way for writers of all skill levels and ages to express their creativity and imagination using their favorite characters. There are quite a few fan fics out there related to both anime and Christian spirituality, but to be frank, most are… Read More Christ Meets Kenshin: Apostle’s Sword, Chapter 1
I wasn’t sure whether to address this or not, but since the excellent blog, The Manga Curmudgeon, provided one point of view, I thought I’d chirp in. Fox’s hit show, Glee, has a religious-themed show last night. It’s focus was on Kurt, a gay member of New Directions, the name of his school’s glee club. … Read More Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Glee Finds God
Boy loves girl. Girl hates boy. Boy is trying to get into a good college to impress/join/get a good job for girl. Boy prays for said college in obligatory Hatsumode episode. This series of events has played out a number of times in anime and manga series. On New Year’s Day, many Japanese go to… Read More Of Kami and Buddhas: School Prayer
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