Doraemon's Best Ending?

Possibly one of the best ending for Doraemon (Xiao Ding Dang). Personally I think this is one of the best ending for evergreen series but the publishers did not think so, forcing the mangka withdraw the doujinshi from publication.

However it becomes an enduring legend of the lore that is well beloved by millions of kids across Asia for many decades. Here is the scanned and translated version for non Japanese Doraemon fans.

Enjoy.

The link

Jormungand's Koko Hekmatyar bothersome surname

While I watching this anime, Koko's surname bothers me a lot so I decided to get off my lazy ass and check it. Turns out to be why, I heard this name before during ending phase of Cold War, in Afghanistan specifically. What a piece of nasty work, this guy is 100 percent bona fide treacherous Afghan warlord. Still alive and kicking, fighting NATO in Afghanistan now. Wiki entry

anime

School Uniforms from various popular animes

Some of the uniforms here are ridiculously designed. And none of the female uniform have pants. LOL. Perhaps the most normal is Detective Conan.

Merry Xmas to all by the way.

anime

Who will be Koizumi next nemesis?

The anime shorts Legend of Koizumi is hilarious series based on this manga. I noticed that the OP sequence have hints as to who will be next opponent of the intrepid hero from land of Rising Sun. Now let's see....




Looking at the OP montage, the silhouette matches a famous portrait of Shi Huang Ti. I did not speculate, I am pretty confident it was him. It is hard to miss Great Wall of China at the background too.






The OP also shows Adolf Hitler as the next nemesis. His arm raised in Nazi salute in front of the Nazi Eagle is pretty clear.




Napoleon Bonaparte with his most famous portrait, this drawing is based on him during spectacular Italian campaign.




Augustus Caesar, 1st Emperor of Imperial Rome. The pose looks the same with background of the famous Colosseum.



Now this one is a big question mark for me. The sequence of the OP montage suggests that he will be next opponent of Koizumi after Shih Huang Ti, the First Emperor of China,. The background is Chinese and my speculation is this enemy will be wisest man of China after Koizumi won against the best warrior king of China. My pick will be 3: Sun Tzu, Zhuge Liang or Kung Fu Tze or Confucius.

Let's see if I was right. LOL!

anime

Senkou no Night Raid / 閃光のナイトレイド

"The story is set in Shanghai in 1931, when the Imperial Japanese Army has been dispatched to mainland China due to the relatively recent First Sino-Japanese War, Russo-Japanese War, and World War I. In this cosmopolitan city of intrigue, there is a special military spy organization called "Sakurai Kikan" that has since been buried in history."

Basically it is an espionage drama during interwar years (1919-1939) situated in what then cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. During that period, spies from various Great Powers came and doing intrigue (cloak and dagger stuff) against each other since China was a failed state with bountiful resources. Usually a favourite epoch/genre for many Chinese dramas from Hong Kong, it is rather unusual for anime to do a story from this era of this genre.

Now though question is how Imperial Japan will portrayed in the series. They are not nice bunch of people during those years in reality so I assume the anime will somewhat tone it down and make them the good guys who scheming against voracious Western Powers especially Russia. Or even the treatment of Chinese in the story going to matter or not.

Jun Matsumoto (Persona -trinity soul-) is the director with A-1 Pictures funding on this series. Shinsuke Onishi (The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye, New Getter Robo, 009-1) is supervising the scripts.Staff wise it looks pretty ok but what I wondering if it will be historically fair or not. But again, if Hollywood can make historically biased movies, I am not counting too much on Japanese anime to give it an even tone. Soon to be aired in 2010 spring.

Source

anime

Sacred Blacksmith / 聖剣の刀鍛冶 utter bullshit on katana superiority

I am quite irritated by this trope of Japanese sword is better than Western sword which many, many anime series love to perpetuate. Latest of this is the underwhelming fantasy anime series based on light novels by Isau Miura which is now animated by Mangalobe; Sacred Blacksmith. There is even a scene where the katana cuts thru an axe (!) where the heroine's heirloom longsword broke against it earlier.



Sacred Blacksmith, a new sucky anime series by Mangalobe (Samurai Champloo, Michiko no Hatchin) touting the virtues of katana sword over blunt, European styled longsword. Which is not true. Look below for why I said so:



See? The European longsword might need little more force but it cuts thru the tamesghiri (straw mats) just as effectively as the katana. So the whole fact of "katana is superior than Western longsword" is utter BS. What is more ironic that the katana is often a secondary weapon of real samurai during the civil wars, they prefer to use bow, spears or later on, arquebus to fight in battlefield.

Here is the CONCLUSIVE evidence of the fact, katana versus longsword side by side against the same target:



There? I rest my case now. Oh, Sacred Blacksmith manga is more entertaining than the anime to be honest.

anime

Nostalgia: Judo Boy!

Very old series that tickled me back then for sheer cheesiness. It is funny as hell and just retro as hell too. Very, very cheesy.

Cosmology of Miyazaki Movies part 2

Continuing from Part 1 of the cosmology of Miyazaki movies using Mononoke Hime and Tonari no Totoro as examples.

The element of fire in Totoro is small, nurturing even unusually serve as binding glue of family bonds with the presence of water. The hot bath scene of Kusakabe sisters and their father is heartwarming and friendly, they enjoy the heat of the water boiled in slow, placid fire which seem did not have a care of the world, fits the movie somehow. Perhaps it is a throwback to ancient times where people gather around small fire which leads to fostering of family.

Water is source of life, and in Totoro it has that role. In the bath scene again, it is a rejuvenating and refreshing element, enabling a playful atmosphere which brings joy and happiness to the family. In other significant scene that uses water as narrative prop, Mei was waiting under an umbrella in the broken bus stop, suddenly spotted King Totoro standing beside her holding a flimsy plant to shield himself from the roaring rain, illuminated by soft light. The sound of the rain hitting on both of them is somewhat resembled a musical encore to new discovery and adventure, Mei decided to pass her umbrella to King Totoro which the spirit reciprocated by letting her on the grinning Cheshire catbus which leads to exhilarating adventure for Mei. It can construed as lively encounter between both characters prompted by water since water is source and beginning of all life.

Princess Mononoke used these 2 elements as symbol of power and conflict, not surprisingly. Fire is the main element needed to mold iron into workable weapons, and Lady Eboshi townsfolk were armed to the teeth with rudimentary firearms to defend upcoming government army that is coming to claim her domain while she is busy hunting down the Shishigami at the end of the movie. During the massive conflict against the spirits, the humans employed massive use of man made fire to stop the attack, here fire is destroyer and taker, merciless and unforgiving at that.

To make weapons from iron, water is also needed for cooling process, again, underscores the symbolism of 2 elements as confrontational and angry aspect. In twisted sense, when Ashitaka was ushered into factory, he could see womenfolk of the town was pumping water which leads to gender flirtation between both of parties and bonding, not unlike the familial bathing scene in Totoro. For a brief moment, water serves as glue for human interaction and friendship but ultimate purpose is unmistakable, it is to create more implements of war on behest of the "benevolent" Lady Eboshi.

The first encounter between San and Ashitaka is again involved heavy use of water element, he spotted her tending to Moro's wound near a stream; to jump start a relationship that would later bloom into romantic mode. Water is a giver and progenitor of life; Miyazaki uses it to canvas the bonding and encounter scenes for a more environmentally calm feel. But unmistakably, the scene also uses water as barrier between humans, a borderline between 2 unrelenting forces that is hellbent on destruction of each other. It is notable that San regarded him with contempt in this scene then rides away with Moro.

Final Part 3 will be here soon.

Cosmology of Miyazaki movies part 1

Hayao Miyazaki, the anime maestro who is responsible for some of the most famous anime movies, incorporating all elements of nature as storytelling tool to give mood to his movies. In fact some remarked that his movies is not meant to be seen but to be felt. He uses fire, wind/air, water, wood, metal and earth as believed by East Asian mythos as 6 basic elements of nature to tell the story. Here 2 of his best known movies; Totoro (1988) and Princess Mononoke (1997) will be used to examine the use of these elements.



Trees played a major role in these 2 movies; Totoro and Mononoke Hime but in very opposing manner and symbolically incompatible with each other. The gentle sways of tree is beckoning and warm in Totoro, persuading Mei and Satsuki to explore their mystical world which appears to be benevolent and beckoning manner. The synthesis of wind and trees swaying in “happy” tone while accompanied by cheery soundtrack in Totoro made it look like have a dance fiesta, a party to welcome the guests into their midst. Unsurprisingly the sisters have their own version of good time in their own backyard with King Totoro as their bored and indifferent guide. This is Miyazaki's vision of nature as good force of mankind, nurturing and kind yet shy to be approached by easily corrupted humans.



It is noteworthy that Totoros can only be seen by certain people who did not have any expectations or common flaws that is associated with adult failings in modern world. Perhaps the forest itself carries the meaning of innocence and free from world failings, will open to anyone who has similar minds. The scene where Mei decided to go to hospital in search for their sick mother and subsequent rescue effort by Mei is accompanied by calming yet urgent breezy wind with the trees swaying at the same time to cheer them on. It is as if “they” are consoling the sister over their anxiety and urge them to go to see their mother instead of playing around with them.



Princess Mononoke however displayed more sinister aspect of the tree and wind elements, the former is dark and foreboding whereas the wind is there to as sign of troubled times, dark tidings ahead in the narrative. Ashitaka first encounter with demon form is fought in a stern, silent yet creepy terrain of big, tall trees. It is interesting to note when the scenes cuts into revelation of what is hiding the trees, Mononoke is a visceral and aggressive instead of friendly atmosphere as seen in Totoro. The swaying of branches in Mononoke maybe suggesting urgency and action instead of placid and relaxing aspect in Totoro, as if the trees are harbinger and silent witness of upcoming war between mankind and nature.



In one scene to illustrate this feel, the trees in concert with the gust of wind, sways around like an angry mob accusing all living things around it which accentuated by monkey spirits who were demanding the flesh of unconscious Ashitaka which San resisted their demand with her wolf god, Moro. If Totoro has a lot of life and vibrancy of the trees, in Mononoke, their actual death can be seen in form of chopped woods as the residents of Lady Eboshi's city use it indiscriminately. The indictment of mankind, gearing themselves for war in Mononoke, consuming resources is clearly shown in barren wasteland around the city while workers and lumberjacks patiently processing the trees to be transported into the city. There is also not much wind breeze in the city scenes, the viewers can see huge smog of industrial waste being pumped into the air from iron factories which an analogy of tools of deadly force (the weapons) bring the taint of death and anthropy to its surrounding (lack of wind and barren landscape). The air is dead and being “consumed” by the industrial smoke, sucking the life out of it which manifests in a lack of breeze.

Will be back soon with part 2.

Cheers.

Mein Kampf / わが闘争 the manga

Heh,

I guess it is inevitable since Das Kapital was published last year in manga format hence the direct opposite is just screaming for a manga treatment. Here it is and apparently it sold well in Japan (45,000 copies now). I read it few years ago and it is nothing but anti Semitic ranting and presuppositions based on flimsy, historically selective bias.

I am not impressed with the book but at the time when Germany under heavy boot of economic downturn and hyperinflation, this book sounds like a great messianic salvation for the desperate Germans who wanted easy solution for their woes. Hitler seduced and played with their human weaknesses and strength to be their Fuhrer. Ultimately the Germans paid it with their own blood in Valhalla made by themselves in 1945.

Let me made this clear, I have no intention to purchase this manga. I have enough of Nazism and whatever they represented. It sucked.

Amazon Japan.

Bavarian state reject the plans to reprint it

The analysis of manga market in USA

This paper outlines the historical development of the US manga (Japanese comics) industry from the 1980s through the present in order to address the question why foreign cultural products become popular in offshore markets in spite of cultural difference. This paper focuses on local publishers as “gatekeepers” in the introduction of foreign culture. Using complete data on manga titles published in the US market from 1980 to 2006 (n=1,058), this paper shows what kinds of manga have been translated, published, and distributed for over twenty years and how the competition between the two market leaders, Viz and Tokyopop, created the rapid market growth. ......

Full Text

Look into past, Hideaki Anno with Daicon III and IV OP

Ah a blast from the past. I remember saw this at friend's house 10 years ago. It includes every reference of sci fi pop culture from 70s and 80s which also marked debut of GAINAX with its problem child, Hideaki Anno.

More can be seen from here.

Cheers.

Dollos / ダロス OVA, the story behind it

This short discussion on Studio Peirott's 1st OVA made in 1983. The unmistakeable vibe of Space Odyssey 2001 is strong in this title. Directed by brilliant but difficult Mamoru Oshii, the discussion shows what is going on behind the making on this vintage anime. The vision, philosophy, person interjection and commercial considerations were interviewed in detail here.

Why Oda Nobunaga (戦国BASARA / Sengoku BASARA) often depicted as villian in most chambara / samurai medias?

He is portrayed so because many Japanese samurai commentators regarded him as upstart usurper that destroyed harmony of Japanese idealized samurai hierarchy. In their view, he is the motorcycle gang leader complete with punk hair and bad attitude. He is ruthless, brilliant, unorthodox and uncharacteristically non conformist hence his constant portrayal as dark lord from another dimension.



Confucian influenced samurai commentators did not like upstarts hence they often written Nobunaga in rather bad light, only concede grudging respect when it warrants so such as his conduct in Battle of Nagashino 1575 CE (the battle that signified the end of famous Takeda clan) and his putting down of Ikko-Ikki monk rebellion. Not to mention his ruthless campaign against Iga ninja clan (as shown in GONZO anime series Basilisk) which some historian compare it to Mongolian genocide against feared Assassin clan during the Crusades. This is the man who hired an African as his personal bodyguard, he purchased him from visiting Portuguese missionary which brought him as slave. He is also the one promoted sandal bearer to general which later inherit his legacy and finish uniting Japan in his wake. The sandal bearer's name is Toyotomi Hideyoshi whom Nobunaga nicknamed him "Saru" which means monkey. This is why Hideyoshi was carrying a pet monkey in Sengoku Basara series.



However the one that upset so many samurai commentators is his liberal usage of gun on Japanese battlefield, they considered gun has changed the nobility of samurai warfare. The katana blade and bow is no longer elegant weapon of decision which celebrated in timeless samurai poetry, it is a simple peasant with arquebus can gun down even the mightiest warlord from safe distance riled samurai purists to no end. Hence it is no surprise that they look on Nobunaga with sullen disdain for this tradition breaking aspect.




In latest game inspired anime series Sengoku Basara / 戦国BASARA, it is an easy template for story writers to copy this popular casting of Nobunaga as badass baddie instead of more understanding examination of him. Just like how most Romance of 3 Kingdom media usage of Cao Cao as villain most of the time.

The series is fun to watch but don't take it too seriously. However the cast VA is like who's who in Japanese VA industry which is like Yang opposite of concurrent infamous Queen Blade which boasted very impressive female VA lineup Ying (the anime with lactating acid breast ahem). Nobunaga is voiced by famous Norio Wakamoto which considered by many fans as most macho male voice comparable to James Earl Jones Darth Vader.

It is basically a Gurren Lagaan with samurai setting with little homoerotic spiced relationships (Yukimura and Lord Takeda is perfect example).

Somewhat sufficient Wiki entry

History of Hatsune Miku development.

With English subtitles (turn on the caption by clicking off annotations at bottom right of the video). Earlier entry. What an amazing technology.

Cheers.

Old Imperial Japanese propaganda animation " Sankichi Shock Troops"

Made in 1934, sadly there is no sound to accompany this piece of history. Typical propaganda interwar flick, perhaps shown in cinema before main feature. The bears were Russians, monkeys were Japanese in anthropomorphism fashion. It can gleaned readily that Japanese view on Russians were not flattering(afterall, Imperial Japan defeated Russians in 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War) and this is year that Japanese militarism already superseded civilian government which finally took a disastrous route to Pacific War.

Cheers.

South Korea versus Hetalia Axis Powers

the trailer



the Korean news on it.

In massive outcry led by netizens of South Korea, a nationwide strike to cancel broadcast of new anime, Hetalia Axis Powers, a cynical satirical look of nations morphed into mostly male humans situated in both world wars. Despite an assurance from network that the Korean character is not present in the series, the petition still going strong even reaching highest level (National Assembly) in nation which denounced the series as discriminating against Koreans.

As it is now, the show was canceled broadcast in the aggrieved nation, but I felt it would have reverse effect as DVD sales will skyrocket in South Korea due to curiosity factor alone. It is a free publicity for the series in massive way. This is what the protesters miss.



The discussion of the said series in highest South Korean assembly.

Personally I share with many people that this is an attack on freedom of expression on ridiculous level. I don't see the series itself is a problem as 20 over nations depicted in the series did not raise as much a a heckle but only Korean seems to take it a bit too seriously. What gives?

The only explanation that I can think of is Koreans in large still feel the sting of Japanese attempt to destroy their nation down to root level. From time of massive Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea in 1500s to World War 2 ruthless colonization which saw the extinction of Korean royal family by Japanese overlords. Not to mention intricate historical crimes like comfort women issue, refusal by Japanese royal family to issue formal apology for war crimes and current island disputes. Plus Koreans were seen as second rate by Japanese despite the K-Wave led by famous dramas like Winter Sonata lately.

It would seem Hetalia Axis Power is a new victim of the uneasy dispute between both nations.

ANN
Sankaku

Tytania's Darwin Garden significance in episode 10.

Historical Trivia:

Tytania's Darwin Garden is similar expression of power like ancient Persian King's garden in Persepolis and Imperial Kew Gardens of United Kingdom.

By able to bring plants from all corners of their empire, it is a gesture of power and prestige to impress any visitors. One of compulsory subject for all ancient Persian Kings is gardening. It is often said, that all foreign dignitaries were invited to walk with the King to look at the gardens. Anyone with a good brain will realize it is a subtle hint of the mighty Persian Empire and the King is just showing off in style.

Hence the interesting significance of Darwin Garden, built on hanging garden orbiting in space, just like Persepolis garden that is irrigated by massive waterway construction which is not too far from Hanging Garden of Babylon, built in middle of desert.

Source

Das Kapital in manga format

One of the most famous book in modern history, Karl Marx and Frederich Engels "Das Kapital" will be published in manga format soon in Japan. I can't imagine this manga will be popular with international manga fans but as noted in this article, the manga was published amidst the troubled economy in capitalist nations around the world now.

I wonder the significance though.

Japan used to be home of a notorious socialist extremist terrorist group known as Japanese Red Army / 日本赤軍 which terrorize the world around 70s and early 80s (mainly for Palestinian cause)so there is a strong undercurrent of socialist ideology history in Japan which not widely known now. One of the members were featured in Black Lagoon as antagonist leader.

It also explains why there is a viable market for this manga in question.

Times Online
Japanese Red Army history

My first anime, Voltes 5/ 超電磁マシーン ボルテスＶ

Original theme of Voltes V



The singer herself in live concert, 8 years ago.

Nostalgic and it bring tears to my eyes. Good old shit.

Made by Tadao Nagahama stated to be aired around 1976 ,the same man who gave us Tosho Daimos.