Ranma 100/???

It’s with pride and nostalgia that I sit down and write this latest musing. Recently Viz Media began re-releasing all of the Ranma ½ anime in fairly priced box sets of all seven seasons of the TV series, the OVA series, and the two movies. With new ease of access to the series, I could finally watch all of the TV series, all one hundred sixty-one episodes of it and tonight, I finished it.

Ranma holds a lot of personal points for me that will continue to give it a place in my heart. Aside from being the longest anime series that I’ve watched in full, Ranma was the first anime series that I was introduced to not by stumbling upon on TV, but rather by a friend saying about 11 years ago “hey have you ever heard of _____?” and seeing it as a direct-to-video release, the format most anime is still released by in America. (Although I’ve lost touch over the years if by some chance you’re reading this Aaron, give yourself a pat on the back.) What makes completing the Ranma TV series even more of a personal accomplishment is that I purchased the final seasons I hadn’t seen while I was nearing the mark of my one hundredth completed anime series.

I found it amusing that the final disc of the series has a featurette of the cast of the dub (Ranma is one of few titles I watch in the dub format) looking back at the project that took 8 years to finish. I couldn’t help but think about how it took me more than that watch all of their work. Even more amusing is hearing many English voice actors (who I will admit at many times made the show for me because they just seemed to “get it”) who I’ve met and interacted with at anime conventions over the years and reflect about how most of this work was before they were big names.

I got into anime thirteen years ago, and have hit one hundred completed series. It’s hard to say whether it’s surprising it’s taken that long or not, but after this long and enjoying this much, I doubt I will be stopping any time soon. Even as I type this on a shelf to the right of my computer are five DVD sets to finish off more series. I’m also trying to close in on 100 single sitting features (TV Special one-shots, feature films etc). It’s been a long road, but I’m just taking this moment to reflect while I tighten my hiking boots back up and continue on a path that I enjoy so much. Even finishing Ranma ½ doesn’t feel like I’m saying goodbye to an old friend, but rather, reaffirming an old friendship.

(Oh, and the Dunbine write-up hasn't been forgotten, I've just been sidetracked with lots of other stuff, including reaching today's milestone)

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This is just a placeholder to remind myself to sit down and write my thoughts on Aura Battler Dunbine

Publish Post

Lost Entry

Rumors of this blog's death have been greatly exaggerated. Hard drive failure and several other personal events kept me from doing some good posts for a bit. What follows is an entry I worked on over a month ago on my ways to/from Anime NEXT, but finally dug out of the recovered data from a dead hard drive.
Sometimes I can be a really bad fan of anime. But with a train trip from Boston to Philadelphia, I had a good chunk of time to lean back in my seat and watch something. Enter the copy of Metropolis recently added to my DVD library thanks to a friend having a second copy. With a story based off work by the legendary manga-ka Tezuka Osamu, a screenplay by Otomo Katsuhiro, and Rintaro directing, it’s only natural to have high expectations and hopes. Thankfully, the only thing the film left me disappointed in was myself for not watching it sooner.

First and foremost, to simply call the film visually stunning would be an understatement. The cityscapes projected in the film are breathtaking, creating feelings of amazement, wonder and perhaps even some fear as the tall buildings seem to be the only landscape visible for miles. The art deco future setting comes alive so much more. In modern filmmaking CGI can become quickly dated or in other instances it sticks out from the rest of the film’s content. Yet in Metropolis CGI and normal cell animation blend together and share the screen with just a healthy balance between the two that is rarely seen.

Yet eye candy is not the only reason for the film being so enjoyable, not by a long shot. With likeable protagonists, detestable villains, the plot can easily draw the viewer further into the film. It could be argued that many of the characters are one dimensional, but they aren’t so one-sided that they seem unbelievable. Early on, one will be able to predict the actions of most of the characters, but it is not from them being too one-dimensional, rather it is a result of them being made more plausible.

Recently, I also read through Tezuka’s manga, Apollo’s Song. A gripping story with a main character who appears to be unable to love, being punished by some divine force to live through a barrage of different lives in which any time he nears the possibility of finally attaining true love, catastrophe strikes. While generally I read manga relatively fast as it is; I found that I had trouble putting the book (which is over 500 pages) down. It’s not the kiddy side of Tezuka that most people think of when conjuring up what sort of stuff he’s created.

Perhaps the most jarring part of adding the book to my collection came after completing it. I keep my manga organized by manga-ka. Apollo’s Song by Tezuka Osamu was placed in the shelf right next to Saikano, but Takahashi Shin. Unsettling, but oddly fitting at the same time.

Past due viewings and musings

April (and a few days into May) was spent working on a self-imposed backlog of DVDs that I had borrowed from my roommate. The vast majority of them were things that I just never got around to watching before, partially because I never owned them, but thanks to a second library of anime DVDs in the apartment, there’s a lot more to see.

With a stack of 30 discs (plus one added later) I set to work, averaging about a disc a day. On queue in this list were (in no particular order)

- The third and fourth seasons of Ranma ½: While there were a few scattered episodes I’d seen, but for all intents and purposes, the seasons as wholes were new content. Ranma was one of my earliest anime titles, and as far as I can remember, the first non-televised series that I was recommended to me by a friend. There’s a very really sense of wanting to see the entire series at some point. With only two seasons and one feature length movie left, the goal is in sight, and I still laugh along with the episodes.

- Noir: It seems like ages ago that I first saw a fan made music video to Dido’s "Huntress" in a convention’s contest and was intrigued by it. While I wasn’t wowed but the series it wasn’t a bad ride. I was just left expecting a bit more bite at times.

- Dai-Guard: A mecha series that falls under the radar a lot, partially because it’s not groundbreaking or part of a well known franchise. All the same, it’s great series. Filled with a good deal more comedy than the average mecha fair, I found myself grinning a lot. Making fun of the over the top nature of some mecha shows, the Japanese work ethic, and the absurd levels that bureaucracy can create for itself. Two related themes within Dai-Guard that stood out to me. The first was a strong display of how people who have radically different personalities can still be good friends when under the banner of the same goals. (Most notable here are Shirota and Akagi.) The second is the nature of some people to help out despite unusual circumstances. In times when Dai-Guard is unusable, many of the characters associated with it find themselves drawn to taking actions to help and protect people. The opener for the series is really catchy to boot. I should also note that this is the first series directed by Mizushima Seiji that I’ve actually completed (I still need to finish Full Metal Alchemist and Gundam 00) however, with a record looking this good, I’m going to start looking for what others of his works are out there.

- Godannar: The second mecha show I put into the “to watch” stack. Two thirteen episode seasons that were filled with hot-blooded fight scenes, manly men, well endowed women, gave eye candy for everyone. The first eleven episodes left me feeling unattached to the story and really only enjoying the some of the more comedic parts of the show such as nods to previous anime classics, both mecha as well as others from different genres. However, the final story arc of the first season finally hooked me and my interest was definitely a lot higher in the second season. Characters seemed to gain a good deal more depth and the overarching plot finally began to shape itself into something less amorphous. In the final stretches of the show, one phrase stood out to me. On the subject of giant robots, one characters describes them as "the power of a god with the soul of a mortal". A fitting description that reminds me of what I use as my explanation for my love of the mecha genre; "it's not always about the gigantic war machines, but the people in control of them"

- Project A-Ko: A hilarious sci-fi comedy film that is often labeled as a classic, A-Ko is definitely worth sitting down to watch, even if half the time one has to scratch their head and process what he or she is witnessing. On my list of things to track down and watch now are the next installments, despite C-Ko being quite possibly the most annoying character ever conceived.

In the realm of new stuff, I’ve been following Macross Frontier eagerly. While the Macross franchise has never been toward the front of my mecha anime fortes (ask me to name more than three of the fighters from across the entire franchise and I’m in trouble) I still enjoy what I watch. Frontier has definitely stepped up and caught my attention. Like the first (and I hope second) half of Gundam 00 there are a lot of good elements that remind fans of the previous parts of the franchise why they enjoy what they’ve watched so much, but at the same time there are many elements that keep it fresh, interesting, and lead us to something new.

On tap to view soon:

- The last three DVDs of Full Metal Alchemist (top priority)

- Something by Kurosawa, (not sure what yet, but I think I’m in the mood to sit down and watch Dreams again)

- Lupin the III: The Secret of Twilight Gemini (if a promised late birthday present ever gets ordered)

The Dream Could...Work?

I haven't had much time to sit down and jot down some new content here things have been busy. A lot of my life in March and through now has been the build up to, and the subsequent decompressing from Anime Boston. (the pillows were a hit, in case you are wondering) Gears have also switched a bit into focusing some more time into working on getting the ball rolling on Providence Anime Conference. (by the way, online registration is now available )


Two days ago I came across this article in the gadgets section of Boing Boing.

On one hand, it's Dreamworks which has a track record that isn't too atrocious, and their CGI work is some of the best around.

On the other is trying to an American company looking to remake an anime film that is already close to flawless, and known well enough on its own.

the pillows Are Coming to Anime Boston

Waiting for this announcement to go public has been driving me insane. As I've stated several times before, the music of the pillows is one of the things that made the anime series FLCL so great. I've enjoyed much of their work beyond what they've done for series.

I look forward to what should be an amazing show. Anime Boston's announcement for the event can be found here.

Random Musing(s) #5

-Last week I finally purchased and read the final volume of the Akira manga. While the film adaptation is still stunning, its scope pales in comparison to manga. The biggest example of this is the priestess Miyako (pictured above) who while virtually invisible in the film, is pivotal to things in the manga. It’s a shame Dark Horse’s copies, while so-so in quality (I’m not a fan of translating onomatopoeia and flipping orientation) are out of print because Otomo’s six volume piece is amazing both in art and story.

-Over the weekend the 18th episode of Gundam 00 aired. I’ve been following this series rather closely and although I’ve had my suspicions that Mizushima Seiji was a decent director after finishing the first half of Full Metal Alchemist, the recent strain stuff in the plot has been downright amazing. It’s still got some elements of a Gundam title, but the differences the show goes for are the right ones to strive for. Mizushima is showing that he really know how to make the shit hit the fan. I suspect that when the break between seasons hits at the end of next month, waiting for October and the second half of the series is going to be nothing short of torture.

Sumoku on za wata

This is too awesome not to share.



Real content post coming soon.

Sapporo Snow Festival and Slightly Beyond

A standing goal of mine is to take a trip to Sapporo in the beginning of February some time to see the annual snow festival. While I’m unable to make it this year, the allure of trying to make it for the 2009 festival which will not only be at the same time as my birthday, but also be the 60th year of the event. Additionally, the festival’s start date and my birthday would coincide and I have never been anywhere that could be considered far from home during a birthday.

The snow festival is home to some amazing snow and ice sculptures. From massive dinosaurs, to famous landmarks, to anime and manga characters, to traditional Japanese cultural icons like daruma and oni, the creations in snow run a whole gambit of subject matter. Pink Tentacle recently did an article on some of the snow festivals across Japan, including some great pictures of some of the various sculptures and tips for ways that one can look up more photos. The link to the article is listed below.

http://www.pinktentacle.com/2008/01/happy-fun-snow-creatures/

Two other stops I hope to make on this ideal trip into Hokkaido would be to the Sapporo beer museum/biergarten (A famous brand like that, you can’t pass up the chance to visit it) and the small nearby city of Otaru. It’s a small place, but it’s got some interesting sights to check out. Thanks to Takashi Shin’s vivid artwork in Saikano, I can’t help but be tempted to take a walk to the lookout point there as well.

My Dinner with Kon Satoshi

Andrew has tagged me with the My Dinner With Blank, meme. Here goes:

1. Pick a single person past or present who works in the film industry you would like to have dinner with. And tell us why you chose this person.

2. Set the table for your dinner. What would you eat? Would it be in a home or at a restaurant? And what would you wear? Feel free to elaborate on the details.

3. List five thoughtful questions you would ask this person during dinner.

4. When all is said and done, select six bloggers to pass this Meme along to.
(Not doing this one. Sorry, but the only person I could think to tap is the one who tagged me)

5. Link back to Lazy Eye Theatre, so people know the mastermind behind this Meme.

The stereotypical answer would be someone like Kurosawa Akira, but I don't know his films as well as I probably should. It's something that I've resolved to fix in the future. Moving into the Anime Medium, again it's tough to say. Miyazaki Hayao falls into the same category as Kurosawa, though my viewing record with his works is a bit better. What about Tomino Yoshiyuki? While he is the mastermind behind a good deal of anime that I've enjoyed, I did get to ask a question of him when I saw him at the 2006 Chicago International Film Festival, and frankly, I was left underwhelmed. Boy, this is going to be a tougher than I thought.
As I lean back in my chair and try to drum up some inspiration, my eyes naturally begin to wander toward my DVD racks, as is often the case as I think about what I want to write about in this blog that is my small corner of the internet. Over 300 DVDs sitting there, something has to be laying there amongst the crowds. Finally, I see it. Sitting between my copy of Akira and Otaku no Video (I really need to set aside some time to better organize these) sits Paranoia Agent and Paprika. Two of the works by Kon Satoshi. Jackpot.

What puts Kon above all these others? Compared to the others mentioned, he's a newcomer to the anime scene, but he's a newcomer with a certain punch. His works can leave an audience rolling with laughter or at the edge of their seats in anxiousness, often changing within the blink of an eye. It's part of his talent which is blurring the lines on so many things. Kon might not be the first name thought of when someone asks us to name an anime director, but the punch his films have is undeniable. A mind with so many creative ideas like his has got to be fun to chat with.

As for dinner, I'm packing my bags and meeting the man in Japan. (Let's face it, I'll take just about any chance I can to take a trip over there) And so long as it doesn't involve Tako (octopus) I'm letting him choose a favorite place for him to take me for a fun relaxed and casual chat. Doesn't have to be too fancy, and like any place on earth, trust the locals, they know where the good places to eat are. If Kon-San insists it's my choice, I'm voting for just some good zaru-soba from a konbini and chatting in the lounge at the studio. Maybe a some Sapporo beer to top if off too. This is one instance where I'd rather just be laid back and make it a low key chat.

Five Questions:
-Which of your works was the hardest to let go to be finished? If you could go back and keep working at one, continuing to improve it, which would it be?

-One of your best talents (in my opinion) is often blurring the line between reality and something from someone's imagination and animation is a tool that really assists in making this transition seem much more real. What do you think makes animation such a great art form to work in?

-Your works, along with many other anime titles are among the works that have been brought over to other audiences, especially in America. Do you think there is too much of "Japaneseness" that will be lost on viewers who aren't well versed in the native culture of these pieces? If yes, what do you feel is the best remedy for this problem is?

-What's one of your favorite stories from working on one of your projects?

-Are there any directors or films, Japanese or otherwise, that you feel have particularly inspired your style of filmmaking?

Random Musing(s) #4:

Some random reflections as 2007 comes to an end:

- It's bizarre to think that a year ago, I didn't know who the Blue Hearts were.

- I never really said much about this, but attending part of the Cool Japan lectures at Harvard and learning not only that what I was expecting Afro Samurai to be was way off (in a good way) but getting to hear the Okazaki's thoughts was special. Do yourself a favor and go grab this one. With only five episodes, it's easy to grab and watch in one sitting. (And watching a bonus feature that opens with Sam Jackson saying "Nothing is as exciting as manga and anime" just makes my day)

- Gundam Battle Chronicle made me glad that PSP games are region free and made commutes on the T much more tolerable.

- Best Anime Movie/Film not viewed until 2007: Royal Space Force Wings of Honneamise
Honorable Mention(s): Paprika, and Arcadia of My Youth

- Best Anime TV series not viewed until 2007: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (This really shouldn't be any surprise to anyone by now)
Honorable Mention(s): Paranoia Agent

- Most Anticipated Releases for 2008: The rest of Gundam 00, Macross Frontier, and the next installment of Rebuild of Evangelion

- Goals for 2008: Tracking down and reading the final volume of the Akira manga, watching Voices of a Distant Star, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, and at least one more work by Matsumoto Leiji, as well as adding to my list of Kurosawa films I own.

"I don't really even know what's going to happen tomorrow."

Every once in a while there is a film that catches you off guard. They might posses a moment that makes us glad that there’s a rewind button so we can re-watch a particular scene. They might leave us stepping back for a moment as the credits roll, processing what we just saw in either confusion. And then there are those that just leave us thinking; thinking about the experience that the film just put us through. Shinkai Matoko’s 5 Centimeters per Second is one of those films in that last category for me.

It’s with a slight amount of shame I admit that until sitting down to 5 Centimeters this week, I had yet to see anything by Shinkai. The viewing of Voices of a Distant Star is one of the few times I missed an MCLA Anime Club meeting. (If memory serves, it was due to still being exhausted after staffing for an anime convention for the first time in my life and the meeting was the following Monday) Yet I’d always heard that the work of Shinkai was something worth seeing. 5 Centimeters did not disappoint.

Taking its title from the speed that cherry blossom petals are said to fall at, the film is broken into three sections of a boy’s (and eventually a young man’s) life. The first follows his life as he goes into middle school, and is separated from a friend who, like him, moves very often due to the nature of her parents’ work. The boy, Takaki, makes a journey by several trains to visit his friend, Akari. With the snow continually falling, his journey becomes more and more delayed on his way to see her. From Akari’s letters read through a voice over and Takaki’s own narration throughout this section we learn the origins of their friendship, and their struggle to preserve it despite growing distances. Hours later than intended, the two are reunited for what will most likely be the last time.

In the film’s second section, Takaki is now in his high school days, and there is another girl Kanae, who is infatuated and intrigued by him. Taken in by his kind nature, she finds herself struggling with trying to confess her feelings for him. Yet Takaki seems to constantly be just out of reach, as if there is something else holding part of his focus. Kanae struggles to come to terms with this.

In the final sequence, all three characters have gone their own ways, and are living their own lives, separate from one another. Akari is engaged to be married with an unnamed man, Takaki is working as a computer programmer, and Kanae is going about her own life as well. Yet despite all being in their own lives, the three cannot help but reflect on the past that seems to be nothing more than a dream now. As Yamazaki Masayoshi’s “One More Time, One More Chance” begins to play in the foreground of the films soundtrack, various scenes of the three characters lives are shown, both past and present.

First impressions of 5 Centimeters per Second are very tricky, at first appearing to try and send a message that all early love is doomed to be fleeting. And while there is a hint of truth to this sentiment, it’s far from the real essence of the film. Each character represents a different state of being. Takaki only looks at things as they once were; Akari as they will become; and Kanae as they are currently.

So what is the final essence of Shinkai’s film? It’s that chance encounters slowly shape people in ways one can sometimes not fathom when they occur. The past is gone, but it still has importance as it is what brings one to where they are now. The present will be gone sooner than one might expect, and the future is always approaching. Happiness lies in enjoying the present, and understanding its importance. Like the cherry blossoms and snow, everything has a familiar point of origin, but where the wind takes it remains to be seen.

I'd forgotten about this, and after being reminded of it I still must ask. Why does Hollywood hate us?

Just call me a PAC-Man

Well folks, sorry about the lack of posts lately, I've just been kept busy between work and stuff with the New England Anime Society. I make the distinction of saying NEAS and not just Anime Boston because recently I was offered, and I accepted the position of Director of Memberships for the Providence Anime Conference. I'm really excited to be a part of this. It's a new angle/concept for anime conventions that differs from what many people have come to expect out of the events. Aiming something for a more mature (and possibly more professional and/or academic as well) will definitely be a bit of a challenge, yet at the same time I think there's enough of a demand in the community that PAC can be successful.
I'll be sure to post more thoughts on things as they develop. I might have been part of the Anime Boston staff since 2004, (and a volunteer in 2003) but this position with PAC is my first executive position with a convention. It's a lot more work, even with PAC's memberships staying at only 2000, but I think I'm up to the challenge, and I'd be lying if I said I'm not enjoying getting to know people in all aspects NEAS better as time goes on.

Japan, Ink: Inside the Manga Industrial Complex

Wired recently published a really good article about the status of Manga in Japan.
It can be found here.

Pierce The Heavens With Your Review!

As promised, here's my review of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. This is my second review for Anime-Source too. (Even if I didn't have this series as an assignment, I'd want to comment on it)

Seven Amazing Character Deaths in Anime and Manga

Death is something that one must come to terms with at some point. Eventually one will experience the end of the life of someone dear to them. They will also face their own mortality as well. In storytelling deaths are often a useful tool for bringing about the end. In many ways it is. Yet sometimes it is more than that. It can be only the end to a chapter in a much longer tale. For me personally, this one of my core points for why I often enjoy the storytelling in anime and manga. Characters are far less safe, thus making the stories feel more real. It is impossible to say whether the death of a character makes a better conclusion or turning point as when executed correctly, both add something to the story something that wasn't there before, interestingly enough, by taking something away.


-Standard Spoiler Warning applies to this post. Read at your own risk-

#1 Ikari Gendo, The End of Evangelion
Why it's on the list: Through the entire series of Evangelion the audience can feel nothing but contempt for Gendo. He abandons his son, breaks the hearts of two women, time and again is shown to be hiding the truth, working in shady underhanded dealings that directly effect those around him, and at least one person is killed by his own actions. Even as the story begins to reach its climax, instead of working for what could be the good of all humanity, all he seems to care about is reuniting himself with his dead wife. We are not supposed to like him. Yet despite this, in his final moments, we see a man who truly regrets his misdeeds, admitting his faults and heavily cloaked shame. Painfully he admits that despite the facade he's worn for so long, he truly does care for his son, Shinji, perhaps because he is the only link he still has to Yui. Confessing that without Yui by his side, all he ever does is hurt Shinji. It's a profound moment and an amazing turnaround. It's somewhat surprising that one character made so detestable is able to be redeemed with just this one final scene.

#2 Master Asia, G Gundam
Why it's on the list: Not the final villain of the series, but definitely the rival of the main character, Domon. Early on in the series it is revealed that the man that taught Domon everything he knew (and continues to teach him) is working on the side of the evil force poised to devour the planet. His mentor, best friend, and second father now on the other side of a conflict, Domon struggles time and again with the notion that his master isn't the man he thought he knew. Domon sincerely wants to hate Master Asia, but cannot accept it. It's is this internal conflict that makes part of the story of G Gundam so gripping.
In one of the best battles seen in an anime, Domon and Master Asia finally square off in the final round of the Gundam Fight, shouting back and fourth at one another, revealing that ultimately they both believe in saving the Earth, but choose to support a different means to do so.
Even with the hints of Master Asia dying spread throughout the series, when he finally succumbs to both his illness and Domon's strength, his death still hits hard. Opening his shirt, he shows that he never once fell victim to the outside influence of DG cells, but rather chose to join the opposing side by his own will revealing that he was not a good soul corrupted, but instead, nothing more than a foolish old man. "Look! The East is burning red!"

(Note: It seems to be a twist of irony that I write this comment in wake of the news of the passing of Osaka Hiroshi, whose credits include the character designs for G Gundam)

#3 Akemi, Saishu Heiki Kanojo (Saikano)
Why it's on the list: I've seen this scene in both the manga and anime versions of this title, and it's difficult to say which one I prefer, both have their merits for different reasons. On one hand, the manga forced me to take a moment to pause and process it when I read it, on the other, even well done onomatopoeia can't complete with hearing the actual sound of Akemi sticking to her bedsheets because of all the blood she's lost. Her final confession to Shuji reveals so much. Many subtle hints are brought together in one of the best bittersweet moments. Shuji can do nothing to comfort his childhood friend as she dies in his arms, all he can do is accept her confession of unrequited love, hold her, and tell her that despite mortal wounds from an earthquake she is beautiful. It is one of the pivotal examples of Shuji's struggle throughout Saikano to try and be the rock of support that so many people view him as, despite ultimately being powerless.

#4 Kamina, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Why it's on the list: It's hard not to like Kamina. He's comic relief, a role model to the main character Simon, holds a fierce sense of honor, persistant, and has some insane levels of dumb luck. When Kamina's death finally comes, it's a hard, fast, gripping end to a character that quickly became a favorite. Yet it's the aftermath of his death that becomes the core for the story later on. His words and the significance of his personality echo throughout the rest of the series. (See #14 in the Insert songs entry for more)

#5 Setsuko, Grave of the Fireflies
Why it's on the list: If you've seen the film, you can probably already guess why this one made the list. As mentioned before, the deaths of characters can often make a story feel more real, and the death of Setsuko, a mere child, through no fault of her own is one of the times that the reality of death really hits home. Seita finds himself unable to go after Setsuko's death, asking the very same question the audience is; "What good comes from war?" Perhaps what makes the ending of the Grave of the Fireflies so much more pointed is that it goes against the rules. Yet breaking the rule that children are usually safe in storytelling, just drives the point home even further.

#6 Four Murasame, Zeta Gundam
Why it's on the list: Losing your soulmate is never an easy thing to go through, but losing them twice, that pain has to be uncanny. That is the case for Kamille in Zeta Gundam. In a story that seems to do nothing but punish him, there are two noticeable breaks. The first comes in the story arch in Hong Kong where Kamille first encounters Four. The two find a kindred spirit in one another, and love more in only a few days than some do in a lifetime. Yet Four's creeping madness and alliance to the Titans create rifts. Yet still Four winds up protecting Kamillie on several occasions. The two finally seem to find someone that makes sense to them in the crazy world they have been plunged into.
The second time Kamille finds Four he is dumbstruck to find her alive, yet troubled that she has trouble remembering him. History seems to repeat itself (and not just for the two young lovers) as their happiness together is again made fleeting and only through Four's desperate actions does Kamille live to see another day. Kamille sought to be the one to rescue Four, to keep her safe and in the end she is the one who protects him, using the Psyco Gundam to block an oncoming blast. With her dying for certain in his arms this time, the cold snows of Kilimanjaro seem of no consequence to Kamille, all he knows now are a heightened bitterness for the world that he has to fight in. In many ways, there is no turning back for Kamille after Four's death, any remaining glimmers of hope for finding happiness were lost in the snow.
This entire section of the Zeta Gundam story was omitted from the movie version of the story. Without a doubt, these events are the ones I missed the most when viewing them.

#7 Tokiha Takumi, Mai-HiME
Why it's on the list: Takumi's death stands out a bit different from many of the other entries on this list because it's not so much the actual death of the character that is the key to it, but rather what is set in motion after it. In the moments following Takumi's death, Natsuki says it best. "She's lost it". Takumi's well being was very much Mai's source of happiness. So many of her choices in life were directly made in order to sacrifice something in order to take care of her brother. To suddenly and abruptly take that away from her unfairly and make all her efforts and sacrifices for naught, it's no wonder that Mai snaps as a result. To make matters worse, Takumi's death is brought upon by the actions of someone she had trusted and cared for as well. Shots of her screaming in furious rage and biting her lip so hard she draws blood, Mai's pain is very real in this scene. What seemed to be a rather gentle happy story suddenly takes a turn.

Gurren Lagann Finale

I could never watch another anime title ever again, and I think after this, I'd be ok with it.

(Full review coming soon)

Abe leaves the PM office

In a move that many of us can probably claim to have seen coming from several miles away, Japan's current Prime Minister, Abe Shinzo, has announced his plans to resign from office. Copious amounts of scandal in his cabinet, an approval rating that could be described as dismal at best, and let's not forget about Agriculture Minister Matsuoka. It's been far from a successful year for Abe.
I won't try to feign being extremely versed in Japanese politics outside of the activities of the PM's office, but from what I have seen, Abe just has lacked a certain amount of gumption needed for the position.
For a few years now, I've been getting the English version of the weekly e-mail magazine from the PM office, and comparitively, I always felt as if there was a lack of a connection in the topics discussed in Abe's comments when compared to those of his predecessor, Koizumi. Whereas Koizumi tended to discuss matters that seemed closer to the hearts and minds of the populace, Abe's seemed to have much broader strokes, looking at the nation as a solid group, and avoided showing an interest in what different members of the nation were doing in different areas. Still one of the more prominent memories I have of TV advertisements from my semester in Japan was during the September 2005 snap election is of Koizumi coming on and reminding people the importance of going out to vote.
With Abe stepping out, it will be interesting to watch and see who comes in next and what sort of leadership they will bring.

Random Musing(s) #3

Last weekend I took a trip to Porter Square for a bowl of real ramen from Sapporo Ramen in the Porter Exchange mall. It'd been far too long since I'd set foot in there, and my love and understanding of things Japanese was a still in its infancy. (It's still in early adolescence at best) That being said, it was a nice return and to see how my view had changed since my last visit.

Lunch from Sapporo was definitely a treat, and while visiting the small shop just off Newbury St. is a good place to grab a hearty bowl of real ramen, something about the setting made the visit all the better. Porter Exchange feels like a small piece of Japan transplanted into Cambridge. The biggest little discovery during my last visit had to be after taking a step into the small Japanese grocery store, Kotobukiya Market. I've already mentioned my fondness for Suntory Boss coffee, but there was another reunion that was even greater for me.



Anyone who's spoken to me after my return from my semester in Japan knows that I can speak for ages about a love for curry that was discovered during my time there. Among the many forms that I became fond of the flavor in was the Cup Noodles brand instant ramen. While the brand is somewhat readily available in the states, the curry flavor is one of the varieties I've only seen in Japan. I bought myself a cup of the stuff without a moments hesitation and last Monday's lunch was a piece of heaven sent nostalgia. I might not be sure when my next journey to Japan will be, but at least there's a little something that was always a favorite of mine that takes me back a little while. Olfaction is said to be the sense most strongly tied to memory, and having the scent nearby, I can't help but remember some very good times.