Do You Love Me Enough to Let Me Go?

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?

Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere: Shinigami Syncretism

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

Here Comes Santa Cross

Schoolgirl outfits, lolita goth, crazy hairstyles, untucked dress shirts, and…cross/crucifix necklaces?  Anime fashion can be both cute, interesting, and sometimes it can also be confusing.  Why are crosses so prominently featured on anime characters when only a tiny percentage of the Japanese population identifies itself as Christian? The short answer is that it’s a fashion… Read More Here Comes Santa Cross