It’s Christmastime! Though I won’t list the plethora of Christmas-related post on the anime blogosphere, I will start off with a picture of Christmas lights at Tokyo Dome, posted by Alafista, and a picture of a Christmas tree made of Santas in Tokyo, off of TOKYOMANGO.
In his first post for the 12 Days project, CyborgCommunist discusses some of his favorite staples of anime, including the common Catholic church settings (beware the yuri pictures!).
I found the conversation interesting on this forum, where Christian filmmakers try to make sense of anime.
Anime Vice mentions the connection between the swastika and Buddhism in an analysis of how the symbol is avoided in anime (though not so much in manga).
__
As part of the Spirituality in the Anime Blogsophere series of posts, each week, Beneath the Tangles links to writings about anime and manga that involve religion and spirituality. If you’ve written such a piece or know of one, please email TWWK if you’d like it included.
Man. I definitely checked out that conversation on anime in the forum, and I stopped dead when I read ‘The Japanese culture is evil, perverted, and ultimately and extremely depraved.’ I had to sit there and process that someone actually said that and believes it. I did keep reading to see where that conversation went, but man.
And, of course, I also had to laugh at the recommendations on the last page, because of this:
‘Spice and Wolf (the main character’s usually nude, but like mentioned earlier, looks like a mannequin)’. Only in the OP. 95% of the rest of the time, pretty darn covered, moreso than most people in America.
I know! When I read that comment I felt like punching the computer screen and screaming! >.<
It’s so relieving to know I’m not the only one who feels that way. I’m not sure how to qualify that statement (ignorance, some sort of racism, or something else entirely), but I was so offended.
It was an interesting conversation…I’d expect more of these filmmakers would know and have an appreciation for anime. But that might’ve been my warped expectations from now knowing so many Christian fans from CAA, this site, and other places.
I did notice that Spirited Away was used as an example of anime…if any anime should be used to show how good the form can be, I’m glad it’s that one. The Oscars, I think, has more than anything gained some level of respect for anime widely among audiences, including filmmakers.
I wa also glad that Spirited Away was used as an example. If ever there was a show that could be considered great, it’s that one, and when it comes to introducing Christian fans to the medium… Well, as long as they were okay with fantasy. Hooray for the Oscars for this, at least!