Playstation Phone For Real(?)

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

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...

Yuuyake Shimbun Column - November 2010

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

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?

Just In Time For Halloween

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

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

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

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)

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

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!

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

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

Interesting Article on Japan's Unique AV Reality

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

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

パパイヤ鈴木 Dragon Quest とろとろスライム

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

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

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

American Akira Gag

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

Podcast 024: Manga Art Books and E3

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...

Kung-Fu Bear From Japan

Soap Tablet - Good Idea And Bad Idea All In One

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

Podcast 018: The Dirty Pair DVD Announcement and Light Novels

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

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

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.