Can anime point us toward truth? At Anime Matsuri 2026, I joined Tiff from Few of the Many for a discussion about the biblical themes woven throughout anime. Together, we explored how stories of redemption, sacrifice, forgiveness, perseverance, humility, hope, and reconciliation appear throughout the medium—and why those themes resonate so deeply with audiences around… Read More Christian Themes in Anime at Anime Matsuri 2026
One of my favorite things about attending anime conventions isn’t the guests, the art, or even the anime itself—it’s the people. I never felt that more strongly than last year, when I cohosted a panel at Anime Matsuri. This year, we’re coming back, as Tiff of ShortStuffArts (Etsy/YouTube) and Few of the Many (Instagram/ YouTube)… Read More Christian Themes in Anime and Church Community at Anime Matsuri 2026
Our man on the ground, T.R. Racki, watched the world premiere of the second season of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the first episode of which screened at Anime Expo 2026. The series drops this fall. Visceral. Chaotic. Traumatic. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 throws the audience immediately into a high-stakes heist that goes violently, spectacularly wrong. There are no… Read More First Impression: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 (Anime Expo World Premiere)
Umapyoi! Umapyoi! (Horse joy! Horse joy!) Time to lace up the track shoes. It’s Fourth of July weekend, which means three things: backyard barbecues, fireworks, and Anime Expo. And while the peak of summer uma racing bursts from the gate on July 3 at Saratoga, the starting bell rings one day earlier in downtown Los… Read More Uma AX 2026: Pretty Busy (Daily Dispatches from Anime Expo 2026)
Japanese alternative rock band, Enfants, returned to SXSW this year to play the TOKYO CALLING × INSPIRED BY TOKYO SXSW 2026 event, one year after debuting at SXSW. Besides that showcase, Enfants performed at seven different venues during their few days in Austin. Before hitting the stage for the TOKYO CALLING set, which was well-received… Read More When the Music Transcends Language: Enfants Return to SXSW
As the crowds began to assemble, finding seating on the field in front of the stage or lining up to buy food from vendors, I caught sight of a musician sitting cross-legged at the side of the festival stage, tuning her guitar. I immediately recognized this wispy, pretty young woman and wondered if others knew… Read More From Hokkaido to SXSW: Rejay’s Expanding Sound
At this year’s SXSW, one of the joys of wandering from showcase to showcase was stumbling upon a performance that felt like a discovery—even when the artist has already built a remarkable career. Of course, I already knew about FINLANDS, led by vocalist and guitarist Fuyuko Shiori, but that’s the sense I felt listening to… Read More FINLANDS at SXSW: Fuyuko Shiori’s Relentless Vision
Interested in watching thoughtful, human-centered conversations with people connected to anime?
Watch Something Genuine, our interview series that cuts through the noise and focuses on the people behind the costumes, in front of the mics, and watching anime, just like you and me. Season two premieres on May 27th.