This post is going to be a little different. Whenever I mention to someone that I’m interested in Japanese literature, the name of Haruki Murakami inevitably comes up; and I find myself having to explain my own sort of complex view of him. Since he’s been on my mind recently, I thought I would set down that view here, if only for my own future reference; but I get the feeling some people might find it of interest. More »

2 Comments

It’s a fact: girls (most of them anyways) don’t like bugs. There’s just something about those creepy, crawly little pests that send women into a fright. But Nausicaä, the heroine and star of Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind, isn’t like every girl. She likes-nay, LOVES bugs and is able to communicate with them unlike us spider squashing, raid wielding, bug bombing ruffians. More »

1 Comment

From Wirebot:

Popcorn and the movies. Television without commercials. Yoo-Hoo and a glazed donut. Some things in life are just perfect for each other. Video games and music are one of those things. While gamers are unable to control the requirement to earn that last gold trophy/achievement, they are able to control what pumps through their speakers while doing so with custom in-game soundtracks. To help change up that stale rotation of old-time favorites, the Wirebot bloggers will be providing a suggested playlist every Friday. Our recommendations this week include songs from: Dance Gavin Dance, All That Remains, Team Teamwork and a few others. More »

From Wirebot:

Chocobo’s are so freaking awesome, and instead of spending Microsoft points on something like a monkey, a cat, a dog, or a snake, all you have to do is register your Gamertag and you’ll receive your download token for your very own Chocobo via E-mail during the holiday season! More »

Maybe at one time or another, you’ve wondered what the world would be like if tiny people lived in the walls of your house. Can you imagine matchbox car races, or pool parties in teacups? If not, you’re probably normal. If yes, then you’re me.

More »

5 Comments

I have to say, I never saw what all the fuss was about award-winning bigshot author Haruki Murakami. He’s a great writer, sure, but from the critical attention he attracts you’d think he was Japan’s only living author. Of course, I hold that the best literature coming out of Japan today is illustrated, but there is a middle ground between the tiny clique of haute couture novelists and Love Hina. Today I’d like to train my spotlight on two female Japanese authors (authoresses?) who’ve achieved some notice in the States, and whose fiction is distinguished not so much by outstanding technical skill as a robust gift for storytelling: Asa Nonami and Miyuki Miyabe. More »

5 Comments

From Wirebot: Final Fantasy XIII is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games ever. And these Japanese ads are a great testament to the Square Enix epic. There’s not-yet-seen content that shows off the stunning graphical quality of the FMVs and actual gameplay. Even if you don’t understand Japanese, they’re still worth watching. More »

Attention, SMAP lovers! According to MUSIC JAPAN, SMAP’s exclusive store will once again open from December 18th to January 11th at Tokyo’s Akasaka Sacas.

More »

2 Comments

What if a made-up book of prophecies you wrote with some friends as a child suddenly started becoming a reality twenty years later? Even worse, what if these prophecies spoke of the end of the world? While it sounds crazy, that’s just the premise for the film 20th Century Boys 1: Beginning of the End, the first chapter in a planned trilogy. So how does this first film fare? Read on. More »

7 Comments

Where: Tokyo, Akihabara station on the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku JR lines What to do: Thank God (as you understand Him/Her) for the gift of life What not to do: Leave, ever

It was only a matter of time before I wrote something about the happiest place on earth, Tokyo’s Akihabara, AKA Electric Ladyland. In fact I tried to spin it as a feature for date week, since apparently one can find love even in Akihabara, but let’s be honest: being in Japan’s (and by extension the world’s) otaku and electronics capital is infinitely better than the highest raptures of earthly love. More »

3 Comments