Hi

First things first, I loved the animation in Your Name and it was visually pleasing with how smooth and detailed everything was. Although I wasn’t a big fan of Hetalia: Axis Powers, there were still important notes to take from it. I loved Sensōron and the lesson behind it.

In Your Name the beauty of traditional practices and costumes are shown. I want to point out how as Mitsuha does her traditional dances, her classmates were making comments about her. Thus, Mitsuha feels embarrassed to do these dances and makes her dislike for these practices stronger. Mitsuha’s classmates fit more of the city-like mindset that don’t practice these traditions as much anymore. I think the creators of Your Name made the trip from the city to the country or the country to the city complex. Taki needing someone to cover his shift and taking long hours of train to get to the country shows not only the physical difference but the journey to different lifestyles. 

Hetalia: Axis Powers was an interesting anime and I did find some of the stereotypes funny when they would talk about Italy and Germany. Although these stereotypes can be laughed at, it also might put stereotypes on countries others never knew. Perhaps new ones that viewers have never noticed or even knew were stereotypes. I also think that this anime might make it hard for people that are not so familiar with world history to understand what is satire and what truthfully took place.

Finally, Senōron was an amazing manga and extremely convincing. After watching the lecture and getting educated that the evidence was cherry-picked, it shocks me how people can be so skilled in convincing others through manga. Using pathos, ethos, and logos, Kobayashi sounded like he was the only truth. Without any background knowledge, Kobayashi could fool anyone. 

I loved all the anime and I'm very thankful to have taken this class. Thank you so much and expanding my bubble of knowledge!

For Hetalia, I didn't notice it before, but the anime can definitely be problematic by introducing to people a stereotype of a country they've never seen before, thus spreading a stereotype even further while washing over an entire country with a specific trait. I still think it can be a funny watch, however.

I really enjoyed the grand, sweeping narrative of Nausicaä and the epic video game saga of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, finding both to be powerful and distinct storytelling experiences. The former follows a princess seeking peace in a post-apocalyptic world by trying to understand a toxic jungle that is slowly healing the planet , while the latter chronicles a young salvager's quest across a sea of clouds to find a mythical paradise and save a humanity living on the backs of giant, dying creatures. Reflecting on Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 reveals two distinct approaches to environmentalism.

I saw that Nausicaä feels like classic eco-fiction, presenting a world where humanity's past mistakes have left nature as the sole force for healing. The vast, toxic Sea of Decay and the giant, sentient Ohm embody a powerful, almost spiritual, natural world reacting against human corruption. This film strongly suggests that humans are the problem, a destructive force whose only recourse is to step aside and allow nature to recover on its own. Nausicaä herself doesn't restore the environment; she merely prevents further human interference, reinforcing a sense of helplessness and aligning with the concept of a nature versus humanity. The approach in the anime seems to me to try to show that the best thing humans can do for the environment is to leave ecologies their own space to grow. The anime especially reflects the philosophy of deep ecology (Robert Schalkenbach). The problem of this idea is that by making the problem so immense and leaving its solution entirely in nature's hands, it takes away the idea that we can also help in this balance. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a refreshing counter-narrative that I feel is better. In its world, the environmental catastrophe was so absolute that nature could not self-heal. The restoration of both the ecosystem and humanity is intertwined and dependent on human ingenuity and technology. The Cloud Sea, composed of nanomachines, and the Titans, which birth new life, shows a system where human artifice is essential for nature's revival (and something the lectures agree with as well). This perspective challenges the notion that humanity is only a destructive force, suggesting instead that our intelligence can be integral to the solution and can actually help nature. I personally resonate with this idea as we can do many things to help nature like recycling and reducing exploitation of nature for greed, though I can also relate to Nausicaä as sometimes its best to let nature do its own healing by keeping humans apart from it to prevent interference. The intelligence of nature also differs dramatically between the two. In Nausicaä, the Ohm possess a primal, protective intelligence, guarding their sacred, untouched lands from human interference. In Xenoblade, nature’s intelligence is engineered and restorative, designed to actively rebuild and collaborate with humanity.

In the end, both stories provide unique perspectives on our relationship with the planet. Nausicaä portrays a world where humans and nature coexist, but nature holds the ultimate power to heal. Xenoblade 2, however, presents a more integrated and arguably more relevant vision for our time. It suggests a future where humanity must actively participate in environmental restoration, using our unique capabilities to heal the world we inhabit, instead of exploiting it. This message of active coexistence and technological stewardship feels particularly hopeful and resonates with this day and age.

Words can’t begin to describe how I felt after watching Neon Genesis Evangelion. Out of all the anime we have had to watch, this one excited me the most. I’ve had countless friends tell me how awesome this series is. Honestly, I liked it. I was very surprised at some of the elements of the series, considering it is about big, cool mechs fighting monsters. A majority of my watch time was spent realizing how complexly detailed this series is, from the themes of mental health and war, to the religious symbolism, and the iconic imagery of the series. 

I think a big standout in the series was the character arc of Shinji. A lot of different media have the main protagonist being this strong, but subtly flawed character who overcomes the odds. Shinji has those subtle flaws, but isn’t the strongest and seems to be the one needing to be saved himself. Shinji's biggest struggle is fitting into the role that is expected of him. Everyone around has this expectation that he is supposed to be a strong fighter who is going to save the world. Shinji tries to live up to those expectations, like when he tries to defeat the big shadow sphere angel whose name I forgot. Ultimately, he ends up having to be saved by the spirit of his mother, who breaks him out of the sphere. This failure to live up to the expectations leads him to a cycle of internalized self-hatred. I think the original ending for the series is the one where Shinji gets the best outcome, where he realizes he isn’t a static person and comes to terms with himself. Shinji can change as a person; he can fail and not live up to expectations, but that doesn’t mean all his life will be failure and missed expectations. Shinji is a teenager being told to save the world from an extinction-level event; cut the man some slack.

One of the more interesting concepts of the show I picked up on was this existential dread seen throughout the series. The main antagonists of the series, the angels, have already wiped out half of humanity. Humanity is in a position where all it can do is fight, because if they don’t, it won’t be around anymore. With the consequences of failure so high, everything gets left behind; all life becomes about winning. Everyone is focused on fighting the war, but no one knows what will happen after. This aimlessness and lack of meaning define many of the aspects of this series for me. A connection can be made with the aftermath of WWII. Millions lost their lives in WWII, and the destruction left behind left people with the same sense of aimlessness. The value of life became muddied because of the countless deaths. All this can be summarized in a favorite quote of mine, “One death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic.” Neon Genesis Evangelion perfectly portrays this lack of human meaning and how war simplifies human existence down to winning a fight.

Overall, cool anime about giant mechs against monsters. Some other smaller things that caught my attention were the aforementioned religious symbolism, like with the antagonists being called angels, and the crucifixion of Unit 01. There are probably a million different things you can say about Neon Genesis Evangelion; it is such a detailed and complex series that deserves the praise it received.

I recently watched the documentary "True Otaku," and it provided a fascinating and in-depth look into the vibrant world of anime fandom, particularly through the lens of Otakon, one of the largest conventions in the United States. Having only seen glimpses of these events online, I was completely blown away by the vibrant atmosphere and the sheer scale of what was portrayed. It was truly immersive to witness, and it immediately brought to life so many of our class discussions about fandom, youth culture, and identity.

Watching the documentary, I was struck by the palpable sense of community that conventions like Otakon clearly foster. It seemed evident that for many, this wasn't just an event; it was a gathering of like-minded individuals who truly understood each other. I saw groups of friends excitedly pointing out characters they loved, sharing inside jokes, and instantly connecting with strangers over a shared passion. There appeared to be an unspoken acceptance in the air, a feeling that no matter how niche your interest, you belonged there. There were also many activities seen in the documentary, showing how people actively engaged in their favorite fandoms while also enjoying each other's company, from attending panels and workshops to late-night raves. Even outside the main convention, groups like the DC Anime Club or the lightsaber-dueling Jedi Guardians demonstrated how fans create their own mini-conventions and charitable events, further solidifying these bonds. It made me realize how vital these spaces are for young people, and really anyone, to find their "home" and build connections based on genuine shared interests, fostering a unique sense of cultural identity. The documentary beautifully illustrated how these gatherings provide an "outlet and an inlet," allowing fans to both express themselves and absorb more of the culture they love.

The cosplay portrayed in the documentary was absolutely astounding. Everywhere the camera looked, people were transformed into their favorite characters, from intricately detailed anime heroes to beloved video game figures. An example that caught my eye was someone dressed up as Char Aznable from Gundam chanting with a group of people, "Sieg Zeon", a line said from the anime itself. You could see the immense effort and creativity poured into each costume, from elaborate props to perfectly styled wigs. The documentary also highlighted individuals like "Dust Bunny" (Iris), who meticulously crafted costumes, showcasing the incredible skill and dedication involved, often learning new techniques like fabric dyeing or prop construction, and using a wide array of materials from papier-mâché to vinyl. The variety of cosplays was incredible, from Gothic to full armor, and even skimpy characters, all crafted with immense pride. It didn't just seem like dressing up; it felt like a profound act of self-expression, allowing individuals to embody different facets of themselves or explore identities they connect with. Witnessing this level of dedication and the joy on cosplayers' faces as others recognized their characters really highlighted how performance can be a powerful tool for identity exploration and affirmation, a living example of how we construct our identities through action.

Observing the diverse crowd through the documentary's lens, I reflected on the term "otaku" itself. While I know its origins can be negative, here, it seemed to be a badge of honor, a term embraced by many to signify their deep passion. The documentary showed various interpretations, from those who simply enjoy anime to "extreme" enthusiasts who dedicate significant parts of their lives to their fandom, like the person who buys so much merchandise they have "no money for food". There were fans who appeared to know everything about a specific series, and others who were just starting their journey into fandom. This fluidity in how people identified, or chose not to identify, with the term really spoke to the evolving nature of cultural identity within these communities. It showed me that "otaku" isn't a rigid definition, but a spectrum of engagement and a shared love for a culture that brings people together.

The convention, as depicted, was a melting pot of global pop culture, with Japanese anime and manga at its heart, but also a strong presence of Western media, games, and more. It felt like a living, breathing "Cool Japan" phenomenon, where cultural products from across the world converged. I saw fans from different backgrounds connecting over characters and stories, effortlessly bridging cultural divides through shared appreciation. It was a powerful demonstration of how fandoms can act as informal cultural diplomats, fostering understanding and acceptance simply through the shared joy of creative works. This exchange felt truly revolutionary, showcasing how a common interest can lead to a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and identities.

Overall, watching "True Otaku" was incredibly eye-opening. It showed me that conventions are not just places to buy merchandise or see cool costumes; they are vibrant ecosystems where youth culture thrives, identities are celebrated, and genuine communities are forged. The documentary powerfully illustrated how fandom is a significant force in shaping individual and collective cultural identities in our postmodern world.

I agree that conventions are definitely not just shopping centers for merchandise. I think the biggest appeal to everyone was finding an outlet to express their passions publicly, especially with other like-minded fans, and meeting other fans in-person, which is a rare opportunity. Conventions like PolyCon and Otakon are the only few places where fans can do so under an atmosphere of acceptance, which I think is the most important element in forming a unique and vibrant youth culture. Not only do these conventions cater to anime fans, but also video game communities and people who are into geek culture from the west, such as fans of DC and Star Wars.

In Sailor Moon, I feel like this anime strongly connects to third wave feminism ideas. For instance, Usagi makes it known that everyone knows her as a crybaby and how she is even calls herself emotional. Yet, one of her “flaws” becomes a strength when she is transformed as Sailor Moon and uses her cries as a weapon against the forces of evil. Additionally, while there are boy saviors, the real heroes of the story are women displaying a resistance to patriarchal oppression over women. 

I also wanted to point out something I saw in Aggretsuko that I thought was interesting. I thought that the anime style was extremely unique from what we have been watching in this class. I personally thought that this anime style reflects one of the strategies of resisting the patriarchy: changing the value of femininity. For example, I found that the style reflected a cuter and innocent nature which is stereotypically what women are portrayed as. However, when the any character expressed strong emotions the style of their faces became “ugly”. These “ugly” expressions allow for the viewer to understand the duality of femininity, meaning that while those who are feminine can be perceived as cute and innocent, they can also be more masculine and that is completely acceptable. Yet, within the anime, it is depicted that Retsuko’s more masculine traits of stubbornness and rage tend to lead her into trouble. In my opinion, I feel like this anime is reflecting values seen in both the second and third wave of feminism. 

Your discussion about the style of Aggretsuko also highlights very nicely how the show illustrates the contrast between Retsuko's two sides: The feminine, innocent facade she needs to maintain during work and the ugly, aggressive side she hides from her coworkers that's caused by workplace stress. This goes in hand with how gender is based on societal viewpoints.

Genshiken presents the deeper side of being a fan, specifically being an otaku. The anime shows ideas that are assumed out of otakus from Japan’s culture, both the good and bad. Within the anime, it is shown that the otaku club is a shameful thing to be a part of, to which the main character is ashamed to join it, or later even show his interest in the dojishin. The anime presents this as a reflection of issues in Japan where there is shame surrounding otaku culture but this is also representative in the states. In the states is a conjunction of shame but also pride in otaku culture. In the states, people are more likely to be proud of their fan status, wearing certain graphic t-shirts or adorning keychains that show off their fan status for a certain fandom. Simultaneously, there is a mix of shame too for being a fan, creating a dichotomy of otaku/fan culture in the states compared to Japan. Within the states, there is a contrast between those who go full into showing their fan status for a certain fandom compared to those who decide to keep their fan status under wraps. Fans who choose to not be as blatant with their enthusiasm for a certain piece of media often decide to do so out of shame. Being a die hard fan of something in the states is not looked down upon, depending on the media. This can be reflected in Genshiken when comparing the Japanese characters to the American ones, where Sue’s shamelessness sharply contrasts the otaku’s club shame of showing their dojishin. 

Words can’t begin to describe how I felt after watching Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice. All three had similar themes of discrimination against people who have conditions completely out of their control. I hate discrimination. Each had a unique scenario of this type of discrimination and different outcomes.

Starting with Naruto, what a lovely and brief series. Naruto has that demon fox inside him, causing him to be isolated from the rest of the villagers. To be fair, if I knew someone with a demon inside of them, I’d avoid them. Discrimination is still bad. Anyway, because of this isolation, Naruto strives to one day be recognized by the village as a hero, which motivates Naruto to always improve. By the end of the 175th episode of the sequel series, Naruto becomes the hero he wanted to be for the Hidden Leaf Village after Nagato sacrifices himself. Naruto’s solution to discrimination, hard work, becoming someone the villagers would see for his deeds rather than his circumstances. In reality, it can be hard for someone under the oppression of discrimination to outgrow said discrimination through amazing feats. Discrimination is usually set up to prevent those being oppressed from accomplishing anything. There are exceptions,  but discrimination prevents many from reaching their full potential.

Next was Wolf Children, a lovely and brief movie. It is a story of a single mother with two peculiar children who have trouble fitting in with conventional human society. Now I’ve never been a single mother, but I know it is hard raising children. Yuki and Ame can be representative of people who are born with certain conditions. What struck me was how both Yuki and Ame ended up taking completely different paths. Yuki pursued school and integrated into society, while Ame completely embraced his wolf side and went to the forest. I’d argue neither of these outcomes is very great. Rather than being able to embrace both parts of themselves fully, they end up having to emphasize one side. Either you conform yourself to society or go live in the woods for the rest of your life.

Last was A Silent Voice, a lovely and brief movie. A happy and upbeat story about the power of friendship, forgiveness, and why suicide is bad. The story follows Shoko, a deaf girl, bullied by her classmates, and Shoya, a neurodivergent boy who relentlessly bullied Shoko, who eventually gets bullied back by his classmates. Bullying is bad. When I was in high school, a lot of bullying would be passed off as harmless fun. Even though at times it really was just harmless fun, almost always it would ramp up into actual bullying, and it would continue because of this facade of how it isn’t hurting anyone. Another element seen through Shoya is that someone’s past can isolate them from their peers. Unlike Shoko, Shoya’s isolation is created entirely by his actions. Connecting back to Naruto, Shoya overcomes this through a great feat, saving Shoko from death. In the end, changing discrimination has to happen through those not being discriminated against to help those who are.

In Wolf Children, the choice between either being human or wolf and that stark divide also gave me a lasting impression about how society views and requires people to stick to one thing or another, and not both. In reality, lots of countries require a person from another country to drop their original citizenry to become a citizen in the new country. I could imagine how a person could feel struck by this dilemma if they love both countries.

From the New World, is an anime that I wouldn't expect to have a deeper meaning enveloped within the story. However, this anime showed some direct consequences of being monitored as a child and the lengths adults will go to know the children are understood and their behavior does not raise concerns. In episode two, when the team one and two are playing against each other, the viewer can see that even though there is a teacher to ensure that students follow the rules, team two managed to use these rules to their advantage and cheat their way to a tie. I feel like this ultimately displays that while the students are always being watched, especially within these scenarios, some students will try to deceive the mind of the guardian to make them have a better chance at success. Which teaches these students that even though they’re teachers or parents present to ensure the safety and rules are being followed, that they will not catch everything, and sometimes this bad behavior can slip through the cracks if not caught. Yet, later we find out that the kids from team two are not heard from again and no one ever questioned where they had gone, which alerted me that team two showed signs of violence and was weeded out of society. Additionally, the kids go off on their camping trip and find this creature that can provide information to them, however they find out that they need to be a verified adult to access the information. This is yet another way that passive surveillance on children can sometimes hinder their development throughout life. With the other example, from the kids perspective, it seems as if bad behavior is awarded and given equality to those who actually work hard. In this example, keeping information from the youth, can certainly protect them from finding out mature information, but it is just another way to ensure that the children know exactly what the adults want them. Therefore, the children are always being monitored even if they’re no adults present. The act of withholding knowledge from the children allows for the peace of mind of the adults is also a symbol of being surveyed. Additionally, it allows adults to catch signs of aggression or other negative traits that could cause them to become the “wild child” as referred to in the readings. 

The Shounen A incident in Japan has a ton of reflection to the incidents of the Fiends that are depicted in the anime, particularly the Shounen K situation that sparked the societal fear towards children. It also reflected the first scene in the anime that showed contemporary Japan being rampaged by a young man, maybe a teenage, who possessed psychokinetic powers.

The anime Psycho-Pass reminds both Japan and the world of the issue of surveillance, and whether or not a person has the right to privacy. The normalization of excessive surveillance, even into someone’s psyche, in the Psycho-Pass society makes the viewer wonder whether the amount of surveillance in our public spaces is justified. The anime for this week begs the question of what is and is not ok with the government justice system and what justifies surveillance. The expectation of the sibyl system to enact judgement within the anime with an unclear justification, as seen with character Shogo Makishima, is able to cloud an entire society’s morale and decision making abilities. This is seen when citizens are unable to take action when witnessing the public murder of a woman by someone wearing a helmet or when Tsunemori is unable to do anything to Makishima because of his psycho-pass score being skewed, despite him ochestarting the havoc in the city. Events like those in Psycho-pass make the bystander effect echo even louder than it does in Japan and internationally. The internalized discipline and routine because of the omniscient surveillance is similar to what is expected of people in society to have “good manners” and be a “functioning member of society” 

Makishima’s abnormality in his psycho-pass score relates back to the article about the risk evaluation system in place in America, with an arbitrary evaluation of an individual. This is shown with the first victim seen in the anime, with her psycho-pass lowering because of her mental state as a result of the abuse. The idea of a legible number to define someone makes a situation black and white without any room for proper evaluation, ultimately devaluing human judgement overall.