Mecha Mecha Media

Kitano's Outrage

2011-10-21T21:45:00.001-07:00

The latest from one of my favorite Japanese directors ever: Takeshi Kitano. His work has been hit or miss in recent years, so I hope Outrage is a winner.

Sci-Guys Podcast #82

2011-10-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

Check out our latest Sci-Guys podcast . This week the Sci-Guys talk the return of "The Walking Dead" (hint: Jim liked it more than John) and "American Horror Story" (hint: John liked it more than Jim) and much more. In the manga minute we talk Kazuo Umezu horror, including Scary Book, Cat-Eyed Boy and Drifting Classroom.

Obon Preparations

2011-07-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Earnest!

Robin Williams and Zelda

2011-06-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

Chewbacca Bento

2011-05-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Impressive New Docomo Ad

2011-04-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

PDX Candlelight Vigil at 6:00PM Friday 3/18

2011-03-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

There will be a candlelight vigil for victims of the multi-sphere disaster in Japan Friday, 3/18 at Pioneer Square in Downtown Portland, OR. This is a charity event for MercyCorps, and there will speakers and performances, including taiko drum group Takohachi.

More information here. (http://www.vigil4japanpdx.org/)

Earthquake Livecast

2011-03-10T23:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/foxtokimekitonight

There was a huge earthquake in northern Honshu in recent hours.

UNIQLO FTW

2011-02-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

found here

Podcast 055: Tech Recollections and Samurai Executioner

2011-02-22T21:21:00.001-08:00

On the latest Sci-Guys podast we talk about life before and after modern technology, including the Internet for us late-30s / early-40s types with our special guest, Sci-Gal AJ.

In the Manga Minute (at 34:23) we have an impromptu discussion of seinen vs. yaoi, and take another look at hardcore fave Samurai Executioner.

Podcast 055: Tech Recollections and Samurai Executioner

2011-02-22T21:21:00.000-08:00

On the latest Sci-Guys podast we talk about life before and after modern technology, including the Internet for us late-30s / early-40s types with our special guest, Sci-Gal AJ.

In the Manga Minute (at 34:23) we have an impromptu discussion of seinen vs. yaoi, and take another look at hardcore fave Samurai Executioner.

Ukulele Kuricorder Takes On The Empire

2011-02-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

Spaceship Yamato Spotted In Nagoya

2011-02-16T21:38:00.000-08:00

Emitown Review

2011-02-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

Emitown is new release from Image Comics and is a compilation of a year in the life of Portland native, Emi Lenox. Emi’s mother is from Japan and is a sushi chef at Ikenohana in Beaverton (and a friend of our family). Her idea was to draw a page a day, in the the style of a journal or diary, and Emitown is a compilation of this year of events and experiences.

The idea of reading a stranger’s diary can be both titillating and boring. However Lenox presents her diary in visual graphics, rather than words only. Is this story of of a twenty-something recent graduate looking for work, love and direction in life worth the price of admission? Absolutely.

Where we think of a diary as a story a day, Emitown is intelligent in that that sometimes the mundane “story of the day” connects itself to other stories in ways a typical personal journal writer wouldn’t achieve. What starts as a seemingly typical life of a young woman in Portland unfolds into a development of characters (both real and imaginative representations) and an unfurling of a narrative visual style that is both nontraditional and surprisingly gripping.

Sometime’s Lenox’s page contain many panels of simple exposition, and other times her unique style switches to a more detailed, although almost parodied, large graphics of emotional experiences she is actually experiencing, in what is real time. Lenox cleverly and carefully borrows from traditional comics as well as Japanese manga in creating a conglomeration of sensibilities that this reader found uniquely satisfying.

What I expected from Emitown was honesty. A work like this has to be honest and revealing, which it is, in spades. What surprised me was it’s cohesiveness. Emitown should be a collection of anecdotes, but it is a story despite its format. Whether that is a representation of Lenox’s genius, or a stroke of luck doesn’t matter. The winner is the reader.

Playstation Phone For Real(?)

2010-12-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

We have been hearing Playstation Phone talk for a few months now, but it looks like this might be the real deal. Asahi.com is talking like this is only a few months away, and as phones act as crummy game systems, doesn't it make sense for a good game system to become a phone?

Podcast 046: Ayako, Fall TV, Purple to the People

2010-12-07T23:28:00.000-08:00

On the latest Sci-Guys podcast we talk about all kinds of our typical baloney. At 21:52 begins The Manga Minute where we talk Osamu Tezuka's Ayako.

Maybe He Isn't Your Boss...

2010-11-11T23:34:00.000-08:00

Yuuyake Shimbun Column - November 2010

2010-11-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have been bad about sharing the column I write every month for The Yuuyake Shimbun lately, and I want to turn that around. Here is my column from the November issue, and if you are in the Pacific NW please pick it up at Uwajimaya, Kinokuniya, Marinepolis, or many other Japanese restaurants and shops in Oregon, Seattle and Boise areas.

Mecha Mecha Media November 2010

Fall is Falling Edition

Having lived and worked in Japan, and thanks to the Internet, I am often entertained, but rarely shocked by Japanese TV commercials. However, a brand new Toyota commercial completely took me by surprise. The 15-second ad is for the Toyota Passo's new Yururi model, and it stars actress Riisa Naka and female comedy trio Morisanchu. In the ad Riisa Naka and Morisanchi member Miyuki Ooshima are unpacking some French bread from a car as they discuss making fondue in what sounds like French. The conversation is subtitled in Japanese, and the two other members of Morisanchu look on from what looks like a sidewalk café, saying "Are they speaking French?" I asked a couple Japanese native speakers to watch the ad, and they came away with it with what I did. It sounds like Naka is speaking French, and Ooshima is speaking Japanese with a French accent, which wouldn't be unexpected from a Japanese comedian. So what's the big deal? Sounds like a typically odd Japanese car commercial, right? Wrong. Like being played by a master magician the audience is tricked by the subtitles and France-like setting. Naka and Ooshima are actually speaking western Aomori prefecture's Tsugaru dialect. This dialect is known for being one of the most difficult for native Japanese speakers not familiar with it to understand. It is also known, for those not familiar, to sound a bit like French, and I have to admit that I was fooled. Go here to see the commercial for yourselves, and see if your native speaker friends can figure out the clever deception.

After one of the oddest NW summers in memory, fall is definitely here. Rain means lots of indoor activities, and one of my favorites is putting a fire in the fireplace and sitting down with a pile of manga and comics and reading until I can't keep my eyes open any longer. We'll get to the manga in a minute, but as I am reading my wife has gotten a real kick out of making the mini stuffed animals found in Aranzi Aronzo's The Cuter Book. We have looked at the ubiquitous but mysterious duo's books in the past, but The Cuter Book makes making their cute felt mascots and easy and fun activity. With the readily available materials like felt and cotton, my wife and her friends can sit around the living room table and chat while making the tiny characters which will end up as Christmas ornaments and stocking stuffers. Handmade gifts are almost unheard of these days, but maybe titles like The Cuter Book can start to bring them back.

I very much like the trend of omnibus manga releases, and now several publishers are putting out series in big books that combines three or four normal tankobon into phonebook-thick volumes. They are home reads, for sure, but the price point is always better than buying the volumes individually. These also make for great holiday gifts if you are looking for something in the $20 to $25 range.

We haven't looked at much straight-up shoujo in a while, but the sticky sweet and never mild Wild @ Heart fits that bill. What is nice is all three volumes of the story are bound into one big book. This appropriately 10+ rated release doesn't stray too far out of expected shoujo young romance territory. Young teen Chino is looking for love, but never expected she'd find it in the jungle-raised Hyo, a boy her explorer father brings home from his travels. With no social skills, you can imagine the trouble Chino has with the handsome Hyo, especially when he is sent to school with her. Wild @ Heart retails for $21.99.

We talked about the first omnibus volume of the very popular Chobits series in recent months and now the second and final volume is on shelves. At about 700 pages each volume, these are very big books. However it is worth noting they are carefully done and the spine holds both the body and the high quality color pages that book end each volume well. The 12+ rating for this series by popular manga creator group CLAMP is appropriate for this odd love story in a slightly futuristic world where instead of computers people use "persocoms," cute and real-looking robots. Thoughtful and funny, Chobits has appeal to both male and female readers.

Another CLAMP title getting the omnibus treatment of late is Cardcaptor Sakura. The first thing I noticed opening this series (after the full color pages) was the high quality of the paper and printing inside. Despite the kawaii cover, I am a little embarrassed to say this older gentleman found Cardcaptor Sakura a real page turner. Fourth-grader Sakura couldn't be more typical. She has a hard time waking up in the morning and has a bit of a crush on her older brother's best friend. But Sakura rises to the occasion when faced with the challenge of finding the Clow Cards missing from an ancient rune discovered on her father's bookshelf. Cute sidekick in tow, Sakura battles the elements as she learns of her powers as a Cardcaptor. That plot summary may not sound so original, but where Cardcaptor Sakura shines is in its crisp art and accessible and intriguing delivery. Boys, don't let the pink cover turn you away. There's a lot for everyone here, and it is a series Manga: The Complete Guide called "...one of the very best manga available in English, period..."

The last book we will look at this month might have limited appeal, but is a must-have for fans of Vampire Hunter D. Vampire Hunter D: Reader's Guide is subtitled The Essential Companion to the World of Vampire Hunter D. The bulk of this single volume is essentially an encyclopedia of the multi-faceted and mysterious world of the half human/half vampire hunter known only as D. What I especially enjoyed were the handful of short stories by Hideyuki Kikuchi that supplement the D universe, as well as the fantastic and original artwork by Yoshitaka Amano. Several of the short stories appeared in Amano's more expensive art books, so at $13.99, Reader's Guide gives great access to what might be previously hidden gems for D fans.

Finally don't forget to pick up some Pocky on Pocky Day, 11/11. Next year should be quite a Pocky celebration!

Podcast 041: Vampire Hunter D: Reader's Guide + Horror Manga For Halloween

2010-10-30T00:27:00.001-07:00

On our latest podcast with the original Manga Minute we talk about the recent release of Vampire Hunter D: Reader's Guide as well as some great horror manga I like to reread every year to get ready for Halloween. Click here to hear.

Does Darth Vader Live In Japan?

2010-10-30T00:23:00.000-07:00

Just In Time For Halloween

2010-10-19T12:33:00.001-07:00

In case you case you have trouble seeing: Click Here.

Podcast 038 and 039: Seven Billion Needles and Neon Genesis Evangelion: Campus Apocalypse

2010-10-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

Our two most recent Sci-Guys podcasts with The Manga Minute are available online now.

On Podcast #38 we talked about serious sci-fi shonen series Seven Billion Needles.

On Podcast #39 we talked about Neon Genesis Evangelion spin-off (or reinterpretation) Campus Apocalypse.

Great Manga News From NYCC

2010-10-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite publishers, Dark Horse and Vertical made some big announcements over the weekend regarding news series coming out next year, and Deb Aoki brings it all to you in easy to read detail.

Click here for the Dark Horse announcements, including new titles from Yasuhiro "Trigun" Nightow and Kohta "Hellsing" Hirano. There is also news of a new Shinjuku illustrated novel and digital releases.

Click here for the Vertical announcements, including two new titles from Osamu "Black Jack" Tezuka, as well as a new gothic horror manga by Usamaru "Suicide Circle" Furuya. It is Lychee Light Club and it is a big and disturbing piece of work.

Festival Japan This Weekend (9/25-6)

2010-09-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

For those in the Portland / Beaverton, OR area this weekend, be sure to get over to Uwajimaya for the 10th Annual Festival Japan. This is the biggest event hosted here as summer turns to fall, and is a big hit.

The event goes from 11:00 to 5:00 this Saturday and Sunday, and there will be non-stop music and demonstrations on two stages. (Takohachi is a taiko drumming group I always enjoy seeing, and they will be on stage at 12:45 on Saturday.) There are also games for the kids, food, cosplayers, and my personal favorite: beer and sake tastings! Hope to see you there!

Podcast 036: Off Hiatus Titles And Manga For The Beginner: Shoujo

2010-09-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

The latest Sci-Guys podcast is live. Click here to listen. This episode we talk about True Blood, Persons Unknown and Machete. The Manga Minute begins at 33:45 and in it we talk about the returns of Eden: It's an Endless World and MPD-Psycho. We also have praise for Christopher Hart's Manga for the Beginner: Shoujo.

Happy 25th Anniversary Super Mario Bros!

2010-09-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to Super Mario Bros. which made its debut 25 years ago today! Of course this wasn't the first time we met Mario... do you remember the game that introduced Mario and Luigi to the wide world of gaming?

Kumoricon 2010

2010-09-06T22:05:00.000-07:00

I was at PAX most of the Labor Day weekend with the Sci-Guys, but I made sure to pop my head in at Kumoricon on Labor Day to see what was happening. I also saw that Dark Horse had their yearly info panel Monday morning, and I wanted to make sure and see that.

It was not a disappointment. Listening to a session with manga editor Carl Gustav Horn you would almost feel like you should get university credit if he wasn't so darn entertaining. Philip Simon is a real gentlemen who edits traditional comics, as well as manhwa and manga trades for Dark Horse.

Carl and Philip talked about the upcoming manga releases, and the quick pace of the monthly Gantz releases and the return of Bride of the Water God elicited a positive reaction from fans, but groans from the duo from Studio Cutie, who do lettering for both series.

There were two great pieces of news that came this panel what I couldn't have been happier about. Two of DH's most critically acclaimed series that were put on hiatus are now back on the schedule. Eden: It's an Endless World and my personal favorite, MPD-Psycho are back off of hiatus. Both titles only have a handful of volumes left, and although volumes will not come out at high speed, they will come out as long as fans not only buy the titles, but also keep telling Dark Horse these are the titles they want to see. Philip reminded us the best ways to get a title on hiatus back on the schedule is to contact help@darkhorse.com, go to the boards at Darkhorse. com, and comment on Dark Horse's Facebook page.

I think cosplayers slow down a little on the last day, but there were some good outfits still to be seen. Word from some of the organizers and retailers was this year was another success, and things seemed to run more smoothly at the Hilton downtown compared to last year. However next year's conference will be back in Vancouver, WA at the Hilton and Red Lion.

DS Dating in Atami, Japan

2010-09-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Interesting Article on Japan's Unique AV Reality

2010-08-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

I though you might enjoy this CNN Go article on the Japanese modern and mostly mainstream adult video industry. The industry is less run by organized crime. Reading how actresses enter and exit the AV world seems uniquely Japanese.

Podcast 032: iPad Manga and Chi's Sweet Home

2010-08-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

In our latest episode, the Sci-Guys talk Scott Pilgrim, Star Wars Celebration, and Chi's Sweet Home in the Manga Minute.

Japan Does Turkish-style Sea Chicken Commercial From The '70s

2010-08-13T01:45:00.001-07:00

パパイヤ鈴木 Dragon Quest とろとろスライム

2010-08-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

From what I hear, it tastes awful. Has anyone tried it?

My Friend Mark's Cicada (セミ) Video He Made Today

2010-07-23T20:59:00.001-07:00

The "sounds" you hear in summer movies and anime come from these bugs....the cicada.

2010-07-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

American Akira Gag

2010-06-24T19:04:00.001-07:00

Click here to see a parody of what the American remake of Akira may look like.

Podcast 024: Manga Art Books and E3

2010-06-17T00:39:00.000-07:00

You can hear our latest episode of Sci-Guys right here.

In this episode we talk E3, Prince of Persia, Splice, the rut of summer movies, and in the ORIGINAL Manga Minute (at 55:00) we talk briefly about the untimely loss of Tiamat's Disciple, as well as art books. Specifically we look at books by Yoshitaka Amano and Hiroaki Samura.

Cleanest GANTZ Trailer Yet...

2010-06-10T15:29:00.001-07:00

Kung-Fu Bear From Japan

2010-05-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Soap Tablet - Good Idea And Bad Idea All In One

2010-05-24T18:17:00.001-07:00

The Soap Tablet is a new item in Japan. At the park or on a train and want to wash your hands? Just add water to this pill sized tablets and instant suds! Of course they are packaged like breath fresheners, so how long until someone pops one in their mouth?

Miyavi Comes To North America This Summer

2010-05-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

Fans of visual-kei rocker Miyavi will be happy to know he is heading for North America this summer. Northwest fans can see Miyavi in Seattle on June 18 and Portland on June 19. More dates for the rest of the tour available at the official site.

Why Did It Take Until 2010 For This To Happen?

2010-05-16T20:21:00.001-07:00

A recent Tokyo wedding is presided over by ... a robot! The bride works at a robotics firm and the husband teaches robotics at a Japanese university. Which is stranger, robots marrying people, or people marrying robots?

Podcast 021: The Comics Episode

2010-05-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

This is our All Comics episode (pretty much) where we spend our hour talking Stumptown Comics Fest as well as Free Comic Book Day.

As the Sci-Guys podcast nears its One Year Anniversary, for the Manga Minute we look at a trio of titles we have been talking about the last year that have reached or are about to reach their 10th volumes. These would be Sci-Guy favorites Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service, Gantz, and Black Jack.

Podcast No. 021 can be downloaded here or at the iTunes store (and with a subscription there you can sign up and just walk away....walk away).

The Manga Minute starts at 28:54.

Erika-sama To Divorce After One Year Of Marriage

2010-05-06T00:21:00.000-07:00

I don't relish in another person's heartache, but the news of uber-b Erika Sawajiri's impending divorce from her husband, director Tsuyoshi Takashiro comes as little surprise. He is more than 20 years older than the 24 year old "actress" who is most famous on this side of the pond for her "betsu ni" press conference a little while back where she wore a wig and sunglasses and refused to answer questions. I think I talked about this at the time it happened, but it was quite an embarrassing incident for all involved as diva-like attitudes are not really tolerated in the Japanese media. In return only the most scandalous scandals are widely reported, but the paparazzi is a different and more star-friendly monster in Japan.

Podcast 020: Twin Spica, DSi XL, D on the PSP

2010-04-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

It was a chatty Manga Minute this episode. Sci-Bot 9000 jumped on Kanye West at the start...a little off-topic for a moment, but then we get into Vampire Hunter D appearing on the PSP; the Nintendo DSi XL (OK, also a little OT); the untimely passing of America's anime pioneer, Carl Macek; and our title for this episode, Twin Spica.

The latest podcast is here, and the Manga Minute starts at 27:43 and be sure to check out Sci-Guys.com for daily sci-fi and other cool stuff.

Podcast 019: Devil and Shinjuku

2010-04-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Sci-Guys are busy this episode talking Clash of the Titans, Iron Man 2 Slurpees, and a ton of SF TV. In the Manga Minute (at 44:34) we talk two new and unique titles: Shinjuku and Devil.

Click here to listen to the latest podcast.

Strangest AEON Commercial Ever

2010-04-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

Podcast 018: The Dirty Pair DVD Announcement and Light Novels

2010-04-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

Check out the link here for the latest Sci-Guys podcast. In this episode we talk Dirty Pair DVD release announcements and the Dirty Pair novels. The Minute Starts at 22:15

100 Years of Akira Kurosawa

2010-03-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

This week marks what would have been Akira Kurosawa's 100th birthday, and UK's Guardian lists their top 10 Kurosawa picks. I would have dropped Dreams and Ran and added High and Low. The link is here.

Podcast 017: Christopher Handley and Blood+: Kowloon Nights

2010-03-19T23:48:00.000-07:00

The 17th Episode of Sci-Guys is online, and Manga Minute fans can find our discussion of the Chris Handley sentencing and a review of Blood+: Kowloon Nights starting at 45:41. Our next show is March 23.

Click here to listen.

イモトアヤコは美少女だった!? Akayo Imoto Gets a Makeover

2010-03-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

You might remember I talked about Animal Hunter Ayako Imoto in The Yuuyake Shimbun a couple months ago. This looks like a private video of her getting a make-over. She is known for her thick fake eyebrows and for wearing a school uniform in the jungle to discover bugs and animals that don't exist in Japan. It's nice to see another side of her.

Here is a sample of Imoto's typical look, in case you aren't familiar.

お風呂でプラレール / Tomika Trains in the Bathtub

2010-03-03T16:10:00.000-08:00

Podcast 015 and 016: King of RPGs and Guin Saga

2010-02-23T23:57:00.000-08:00

Check out my review of Jason Thompson's King of RPGs at our previous podcast. You can find the link here, and the Manga minute starts at 28 minutes in (plus a second or two), though the first minute turns into the Slurpee Update.

In Podcast 016 we talk Lost, Caprica, and Japan but the Manga Minute this episode is dedicated to The Guin Saga manga and novels.

Download here to hear all the details from Sci-Guys Podcast 016. We talk about Avatar getting nominated for an Oscar and the Chris Handley case as well as Lost and Caprica. The Chris Handley talk starts at 7:38 and goes for about four minutes and the Manga Minute starts at 36:52 after a rousing discussion of the latest Slurpee flavor, Kratos Fury.

Check out the video that opens the Manga Minute here so you can see the presents from Daiso, the Japanese version of the Dollar Store.

In Japan This Spring? Here Is The Sakura Timing Report

2010-02-20T20:55:00.000-08:00

Click the image to see in full size.

歩ける寝袋 Escape From a Bear!

2010-02-19T00:09:00.000-08:00

Makoto Fujita Passes At 76

2010-02-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

Japan and the world bid farewell to popular jidai geki actor, Makoto Fujita. After a host of health issues the last couple years he succumbed to an aneurysm in a Suita hospital on Thursday. Fujita was 76. More details of his career and passing can be found here.

Viral Video Flashback: Flashman Theme

2010-02-15T23:02:00.000-08:00

Handley Gets Six Months

2010-02-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Chris Handley was sentenced today after many months of delays after pleading guilty to the possession of obscene artwork from Japan. I call it "artwork" as no actual children were actually harmed, photographed or depicted in the material Handley was arrested and convicted for.

There is more information here.

If the intention of child pornography and obscenity laws is to protect children, then I ask, again, who was the victim in the Chris Handley case? There is none. So this man will spend a half a year in jail for ordering books he never even had a chance to read.

Again. Who is the victim in this case?

Umeda Mandarake Walkthrough 1 & 2

2010-02-09T00:40:00.000-08:00

The Official Can Coffee of Spring Break (?)

2010-02-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

Serene Scene in Ginza, Tokyo

2010-01-31T07:17:00.000-08:00

I think we think of central Tokyo as a very bustling metropolis...and in many ways it is, but this spot between Ginza and Shiodome in the middle of a busy workday seemed peaceful, in a way.

Click the pic for a larger version. The short video is less "serene" but gives a fuller view.

New Stuff To Look Forward To From Nintendo

2010-01-29T01:23:00.000-08:00

Hello from Tokyo!

I thought I'd share a couple new things from Nintendo we can look forward to, hopefully in not too much time in the US.

Here is the Nintendo DSi LL, (though I am going to guess it will be called the DSi XL in the US). You can see the bigger screen, and it feels like it is being marketed more for adults who use their DS for reading, etc.

You are seeing this right: the black Wii is on sale in Japan now.

This is an update of the classic controller, so now you can use a GameCube controller without having to hard wire it to the Wii.

Tekken, Kin-nikuman, Dragonball, FF XII Voice Actor Dead At 57

2010-01-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

Voice actor Daisuke Gori has met an early demise, and seemingly at his own hand. The voice of Tekken's Heihachi Mishima, Kin-nukuman's Robinmask, Dragonball: Budokai's Mr. Satan, among many others, has apparently taken his own life. The anime and game world will miss his gravelly voice.

More on this story here: English, Japanese.

AKIRA Manga Review Posted

2010-01-17T01:36:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't see it, here is my review of the reissue of the first volume of AKIRA at Comics Village.

Shogun Vader

2010-01-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Click on this article from LA Weekly about the ultimate mash-up of Star Wars and samurai cosplay. Many more pics with the article.

GANTZ Live Action Teaser Trailer

2010-01-06T11:30:00.001-08:00

Podcast 014: Best Manga of 2009

2009-12-25T01:29:00.000-08:00

In the last Sci-Guys Podcast of 2009 I talk about my favorite titles of 2009 (from a macho manly muscley perspective).

You can hear all of our year-end round up and talk about Avatar here. If you just want to hear the Manga Minute then FF to 44:47.

We talk briefly about a bunch of great series this year, including MPD Psycho, The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service, Gantz, Moyasismon, Detroit Metal City, Akira, and 20th Century Boys.

Japan Loves Star Wars...And Star Wars Loves Japan, But...

2009-12-21T02:03:00.000-08:00

Japan's reciprocal love for Star Wars is no secret, and often there are great Japan exclusives that Star Wars fans can find with a little searching. This baseball cap collection is a new one, though.

They say too much is never enough, but I have a sense these caps look cooler on the Internet than they do on people's heads.

Sayonara, Wendy

2009-12-12T21:17:00.000-08:00

American fast food has become a staple snack (at least) in Japan, but one long term player is bowing out. Wendy's is saying Sayonara to the Japan market. This article claims Wendy's has been in Japan for seven years, but it has been at least twice that long, as I was eating Wendy's as the Mosaic mall next to Merican Park back in 1995. Maybe they have been run by the Zensho Group since 2002, but all 71 sites in Japan will close shop. To give a little perspective, McDonald's has over 3700 sites in Japan.

Tarantino+Softbank=CM Heaven

2009-12-10T21:52:00.000-08:00

Quentin Tarantino's love for Japan is no secret. So it is no surprise that some of his best work comes in 30 second Japanese commercials. Enjoy the latest from the geniuses at Softbank in the series of ads with a cell-phone packing family that includes a mon, a sister, a black brother and a father who is a dog...literally. A visit by Tarantino is par for the course.

Podcast 013: Holiday Gift Guide and Akira Reissue

2009-12-08T01:02:00.000-08:00

Check out the latest Sci-Guys podcast for our Holiday gift guide, talk about V, The Road, Flash Forward, Ninja Assassin, and much more.

In the Manga Minute we talk Kodansha Comic's reissue of Akira, and the anime project I recently was honored to work on, Rental Magica. FF to 47:19 to go straight there.

DL the latest podcast here, or find us at iTunes.

"Rental Magica" On Shelves This Week

2009-11-22T23:11:00.001-08:00

On Nov. 24 the first 12 episodes of "Rental Magica" hits shelves. I don't talk about anime all that often here, but this was a release I had the honor to work on. I didn't do the subtitles, but the booklets that accompany the two box sets. Anime booklets tend to be notes and character sketches, but the booklets for this set are really books. At over 100 pages each they are really an encyclopedia to magic from around the world that is seen in the story. Each member of Astral, the magic society that is the center of the story, employs a different school of magic, and these booklets go into richer detail about the real history of these different techniques.

As a translation project this was a big challenge. From Egyptian pharaohs to Celtic magic to Shingon Vajrayana Buddhism and far beyond, it's all in here. I hope you get a chance to check out "Rental Magica".

Podcast 012: Moyasimon

2009-11-18T00:40:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest Sci-Guys podcast. In this episode we talk about V, Flash Forward, The
Prisoner, COD MW2, New Super Mario Bros Wii, Xbox and PS3 updates, and much more, but if you are looking just for the Manga Minute fast-forward to 41:58 to hear a review of the first volume of Moyasimon: Tales of Agriculture. (Hint: It is pretty great.)

You can also find us on iTunes.

Japanese Words of 2009

2009-11-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

Pink Tentacle brings us the yearly list of "Words of the Year" from Japan for 2009 translated to English. (You can see the Japanese here.) These are usually news-buzzwords and catchphrases used by popular comedians. We will see the top 10 chosen from this list announced next month. Click here for the complete list.

11/11 That Means POCKY DAY!

2009-11-11T00:39:00.000-08:00

Line up four sticks and you have not only 11/11 (wait is that five sticks?), but you have the unofficial Pocky Day! This year in the the US it falls on Veteran's Day, but what a lucky coincidence that it is officially a day off of school! We can celebrate our war veterans and snap a bite of Pocky

Tatsuya Ichihashi Arrested

2009-11-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

This isn't something I would normally post, but I have been following this story fairly closely and was very happy to see the arrest of Tatsuya Ichihashi. He is accused of killing a young British teacher named Lindsay Ann Hawker two years ago, and has been a fugitive from justice ever since.

More details about the case and Ichihashi's arrest at Mainichi Daily News.

二ノ国 / Ninokuni

2009-11-05T17:08:00.000-08:00

The impressive new Studio Ghibli project is not a new movie, though this trailer might trick those not looking closely. It's a major score for reputable game maker Level 5, and Ninokuni is a Nintendo DS game. Let's hope we get this stateside. The buzz has already started. Check the official site for high quality video and more details (in Japanese).

Podcast 010: Horror Manga for Halloween

2009-10-25T01:17:00.000-07:00

The latest episode of Sci-Guys is online. This episode in the Manga Minute we talk Kazuo Umezu and Junji Ito horror manga just in time for Halloween. Fast-forward to 36:56 to hear the Manga Minute. Our next podcast will be online at Sci-Guys on Tuesday, Oct. 27. We will talk more horror talk and Four-Eyed Price.

Manga News Launches in Japan

2009-10-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

ANN reported today about the launch of 漫画の新聞 AKA NewsManga.com. Every day a handful of timely news stories from all sections of the news realm, from finance to sports, are presented in manga form. You can see above the announcement of Windows 7. Despite the dip in profits in recent years in the 5 billion dollar a year Japanese manga market projects like these are launched. Legitimate online manga (read: cell phones) is on the rise and News Manga will probably appeal to that audience.

Former PM Koizui to Star in Ultraman Movie

2009-10-15T18:26:00.001-07:00

Popular former Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi will take on the role of Ultraman King (on the right in the photo above). Koizumi will not appear, but just his voice will be used for the regal Ultraman King. Koizumi originally turned down the offer, but was convinced by his sons to take it. It is not clear when the release date for Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legend, The Movie is. More info at TIME.

Your Mouse Might be a Spider

2009-10-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

These creepy Japanese mouse offerings are available here at Thanko.jp. I think I would have a hard time wrapping my fingers around an encased tarantula or scorpion, but some buggy types might enjoy.

Star Wars 和てぬぐい

2009-10-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

How sweet are these? These are 34 x 90cm "Japanese hand towels" that can't be beat.

At about 1500 yen (almost $17 USD) they ain't exactly giving them away, but I would have a hard time not picking up a set of six if I were in Japan now.

Check out more pics and other Japan exclusive items here and here.

Podcast 009: MPD Psycho Reviewed

2009-10-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

In this latest Sci-Guys podcast we do the Slurpee Smackdown to some dubious results. We also do our summer movie wrap-up. If you want to hear The Manga Minute you can skip to 33:45 where we talk MPD-Psycho manga (as well as the live-action Japanese release and the American live-action license), the untimely passing of Yoshito Usui, and Sci-Guy Scott talks Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit.

Smap → Softbank Commercial

2009-09-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

Good commercials leave the viewer asking questions and wanting more, and Japanese commercial makers are the king of this.

For the uninitiated Smap is the NKOTB of Japan, if NKOTB stayed together and never lost popularity. Softbank is, naturally, a cell phone company.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Review Posted

2009-09-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

Check out my review of Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project here at Comics Village.

GATSBY SUGO-OCHI Commercial w/ Takuya Kimura

2009-09-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Body of Crayon Shin-chan Creator Recovered

2009-09-20T19:19:00.001-07:00

It has been confirmed that Crayon Shin-chan creator Yoshito Usui, who had been reported missing September 12, has been found, apparently the victim of a hiking accident. Usui was 51 years old.

More details available here (although they misspell his name).

Podcast 008: Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit

2009-09-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

Episode 008 of Sci-Guys is available here. This episode we talk about the fall sci-fi shows we are going to be watching, Stitches, a graphic novel/memoir by David Smalls, Kumoricon, the Shadow Complex controversy, The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics, and much much more.

This episiode in the Manga Minute we talk about Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit. If you want to skip forward to the manga goodness jump to 2:20:42. (You can also find us on iTunes)

Our next podcast is Tuesday, Sept. 22 and we will be doing the Slurpee Smackdown, and in the Manga Minute we will be talking MPD-Psycho.

Hitoshi "Ma-chan" Matsumoto on Cover of "Otona Fami"

2009-09-15T22:50:00.000-07:00

Fans of Downtown's Hitoshi Matsumoto will get a kick out of these pics from this month's issue of オトナファミ or OTONA FAMI, a men's media magizine with a focus on gaming, and a branch of FAMITSU.

Click here if you aren't sure what is so funny. (This is how Ma-chan usually poses for pictures.)

Podcast 007: Dororo and Osamu Tezuka Discussion

2009-09-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

In Episode 007 of Sci-Guys we talk District 9, Wil Wheaton, Batman Reborn and Batman and Robin comics and much more...

But for you manga fans, FF to 1:16:04 for the Manga Minute. This ep we talk Dororo and a have brief discussion of Osamu Tezuka.

Our next podcast is looking to be this Saturday, the 12th, so check Sci Guys for the latest.

Kumoricon - Day 2 Announcements from DH and Jason Thompson

2009-09-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

At Day 2 of Portland's Kumoricon we got two pieces of breaking news. First at the myteriously-titled Manga: The Complete Guide Z panel hosted by Manga: The Complete Guide writer Jason Thompson, it was revealed that Manga: The Complete Guide will continue. However this continuation will happen not in book form, but online at Suvudu.com. This will start on September 15 and Thompson and his assistant reviewers have committed to uploading one new series review every day for at least one year (not reviews of individual volumes). On top of that, Thompson will be giving away five manga volumes away per day to one lucky commentor. If that commentor posts a pic online of himself with his new manga, Thompson will send five more! (It seems Thompson's apartment is being taken over by manga!) Check Suvudu.com for more details on the 15th. Del Rey will be announcing this after the Labor Day weekend, but you heard it here first!

In this pic Dark Horse editor Philip Simon holds up images from Shinjuku, an upcoming illustrated novel written by Christopher Morrison with illustrations by none other than Yoshitaka "Vampire Hunter D" Amano. Shinjuku comes out next March.

But the exclusive news we got from Dark Horse today was the announcement of a summer 2010 release of The Art of Blade of the Immortal by Hiroaki Samura. This is a large-sized artbook out of Japan full of some beautiful and sometimes funny sketches and paintings of BotI characters. Simon also announced that the Dark Horse version will not only be hard cover, but will have at least 32 extra images not appearing in the Japanese original. There may even be a photo of the camera-shy Samura, whose afterword will be translated for this version. There will also be a new introduction by Geof Darrow, who had the role of Conceptual Designer on "The Matrix" movie series.

Kumoricon - Day 1

2009-09-05T23:08:00.001-07:00

Former Viz-mates Jason Thompson and Carl Horn have moved on to other things (Thompson writes for Otaku USA and wrote Manga: The Complete Guide while Horn is an editor for Dark Horse Manga) but their stories of the "good old days" of manga publishing in the 90s are very interesting. You may remember Wired Magazine's cover story on manga (written by Thompson) and he said the editor of the article went to the Japanese manga publishers asking for Ken Akimitsu to do the 8-page history of manga layout as manga. Wired is well known in the US, but not so much in Japan. Japanese bigwigs tend to respond "no" at the first opportunity, which is why they didn't get a big name to do that layout.

Toshifumi Yoshida is an anime producer and translator and he translates one of my favorites: The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service. His lesson: don't go into anime translation, and don't expect to make a living off of manga translation. At his best gig he made $25 a page (an incredible amount from a Japan-based publisher) but would might average $10 a page here. The problem is there is always someone who will offer to do it for $2 a page, and that is why it is hard to be successful translating manga and anime exclusively. One needs to be more flexible, and I have to agree with him on all points.

More tomorrow! And I will be a part of the Dark Horse Translator's Panel tommorow at 4:30 in "Live 1". Please come by if you are attending.

A few more pics, via Sci-Guys.

Kumoricon in Two Days

2009-09-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

Portland's one and only Anime/Manga/Cosplay/All-things-J-pop-culture convention KUMORICON starts this Saturday and goes for 24-hours-a-day through the three-day Labor Day weekend. I will be there all day on Saturday and Sunday.

I will be participating in the Dark Horse Translator's Panel on Sunday at 4:30, so please come and check it out!

Debito Arudou on McD's New Pitchman "Mr. James"

2009-09-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Debito Arudou gives an interesting perspective on in The Japan Times on McDonald's Japan's latest pitchman, the Japanphile honky, Mr. James. I don't agree with all Arudou has to say, but it is certainly food for thought. See ads below for your own take what has become a mini-firestorm, at least for gaijin in Japan.

Good News for Berserk, The Monkey King, and Ghost Talker's Daydream Fans

2009-08-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

Today Dark Horse's Director of Asian Licensing, Michael Gombos revealed three bits of good news in two different places online.

First he responded in the comments to a post made last week at the Eastern Standard. In it he says they will no longer be using the cheaper paper used in Berserk v30, and reverting back to the higher quality stock. Also the long-awaited Ghost Talker's Daydream v4 will be hitting shelves sometime soon. The long break has made some suspect the series might be cancelled, though there were never official reports saying so.

In his Facebook page Gombos answered the question if Katsuya Terada's visit to Portland meant a next volume of The Monkey King, and the answer was the one we were hoping for.

We might be able to expect more news on these stories at the Dark Horse Industry panel at 10:00 AM this Sunday at Portland's Kumoricon which will be hosted by manga editor Carl Horn.

Gundam Mini Noodles!

2009-08-30T22:49:00.001-07:00

Japanese Translation Party

2009-08-28T13:58:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know, when I am not raking in the cash from Mecha Mecha Media and clinking glasses with Brad and George and the boys, I traslate stuff from Japanese.

People sometimes ask me "Why not just use an online translator?" I can't speak for other languages, but for Japanese, they stink, that's why.

But don't take my word for it. Check out Translation Party, which takes an English phrase, translates it into Japanese, then reverse translates it until it hits a loop. All but the most simple phrases get mashed into something incomprehensible. Or should I say "Mash-up is a simple phrase to help you understand all the potatoes."

Translation Party

Podcast 006: Eisners Manga and Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service

2009-08-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

We recently recorded our "biggest" show yet. Our best show? You can be the judge. The Manga Minute starts at the mid-point (1:28:57) and in this episode I talked about Eisner winner Dororo and review The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service, which was just announced as having a live-action movie in development from Dark Horse Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Sci Guys is here, and the link to episode 006 is here.

RIP: Nichi Bei Times

2009-08-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

It saddens me to share the news that San Francisco's Nichi Bei Times will be closing its doors early next month.

The Nichi Bei Times was and is an exemplory Japanese/English newspaper, and its loss will be felt.

More information here.

Christopher Handley Sentencing?

2009-08-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

Christopher Handley, the Iowa man who pled guilty in federal court for possession of obcene materials, was supposed to be sentenced August 18. You may remember Handley had all of his computers and manga confiscated when postal inspectors discovered hentai manga in a package addressed to him.

August 18 has come and gone, but no word on Handley's sentence can be found (unless I am not looking hard enough). Anyone have anything?

Ikigami: The Ultimate Limit Review Posted

2009-08-21T02:04:00.000-07:00

Please check out my review of Ikigami at Comics Village here. This is a great new series that mature readers will surely enjoy.