Kokoro Connect continues to surprise me by how touching and involving it all is. Though not without its faults, it’s still one of my favorite series of the year. After a strange (but still compelling) fourth episode, five did was episode fives of good series often do – hit an early high point in the… Read More Kokoro Connect 05: If You Had 30 Minutes to Live, What Would You Do?
A while back, I had difficulty getting my son to close his eyes while I washed his face in the shower. I’d have to tell him multiple times to close his eyelids in the same shower session. One day, I just let him do what he wanted, and to his discomfort, soap ran into his… Read More Kokoro Connect 05: Hurt Me Bad (in a Real Good Way)
David examines morality in Eureka Seven Ao, and mentions the use of Catholic liturgies as naming devices. I’m a few episodes behind in the series and am actively avoiding spoilers, so I didn’t read the article, but I’m sure it’s fine reading as is typical of this wonderful site. [The Untold Story of Altair and… Read More Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Accel World Enlightenment, Revisiting Madoka, and Jesus Figures in Kokoro Connect and Other Anime
Last December, as I prepared a series on Christmas anime, I knew that I would finally have to watch Tokyo Godfathers, something I’d put off for a long time. Of course, I was glad that I did watch the movie, which immediately became a favorite. While there were oh so many wonderful scenes, characters, and… Read More How to Make a Care Package for the Homeless
A year ago…I was watching (and loving) Mawaru Penguindrum… …as well as Usagi Drop, about which I wrote one post… …no, two about the fourth episode. A year ago…I was stirring debate when talking Hourou Musuko and homosexuality… …and finding a Christ figure in Eden of the East. A year ago…R86 was sharing some of… Read More A Year Ago on Beneath the Tangles
There are hundreds of Holocaust organizations in the United States and perhaps thousands worldwide. Through my job, I stay in contact with many. Still, I was surprised to see a mailing at work for the Holocaust Education Center, Japan (HEC), headquartered in Fukuyama-city. I was even more surprised to read one of their newsletter stories,… Read More Manga of a Young Girl: Anne Frank in Japan
In episode four of Kokoro Connect, Inaba, the serious, controlling member of the group, has an epiphany of sorts. She realizes that she can be herself among the friends, even if that self is ungracious and mistrustful. I guess it’s supposed to be a feel good moment, but the message left me irked. It’s all… Read More Kokoro Connect, Episode 04: Just As I Am
The easiest way to keep up with Beneath the Tangles is to sign up for our email newsletter, Above Anime, on Substack!
Each Friday, you’ll receive an original anime devotional along with links to all our reviews, analysis, videos, and other content for the week. It’s the easiest way to keep up with our ministry!