Using Anime as teaching tool

The Impact of Popular Culture Fandom on Perceptions of Japanese Language and Culture Learning: The Case of Student Anime Fans

This research examines the impact of popular culture fandom on perceptions of foreign language and culture learning within a Japanese studies context, using the example of student ‘anime’ (Japanese animation) fans. Anime, described by Tominaga (2002) as “presently one of the most popular expressions of Japanese culture in America,” was chosen for its apparent popularity among students of Japanese. This dissertation presents the results of a study that qualitatively describes the phenomenon of anime fandom as it relates to a sample of ten Japanese language students’ perceptions of the Japanese language and culture and of language learning.

Full article here

Using anime as teaching tool in language programs is main scope of discussion here, using popular meme for academia is always a good thing. Afterall academia suppose to reflect what a society is and this discussion is manifestation of it. I always believe in practical and close to life type of higher education. Since anime is becoming more and more of a global phenomenon, perhaps it is time for Japanese language program to consider it as legitimate tool to teach the difficult language?

Tora Dora/ とらドラ！

Manga version



Novel version

Kadokawa's 2007 Light Novels Awards for Best Romantic Comedy is animated.

Toradora is a typical story of headstrong but cute school girl goes by name of Taiga who is generally feared in her school, however who has feelings for a male student which is good friend of another scary looking student, Ryuji. Something happens in between and now Ryuji has struck a deal with her to woo her best friend whereas he assisting her on her effort to win his best friend's heart.

Manga tries very hard to bring out the cuteness of Taiga, whereas novel is more introspective and examines her internal monologue more than the manga.

Typical trope, tsundere treatment, triangle relationship and sexual tension is all around. And man, Rie Kugiyama is in danger to be typecasted in such narrow roles. Her voice is suitable but I think she is going overboard with this stock "hard outside but soft inside" type of character.



Some promotion of ToraDora! in this year's Comicket; slated release date is around October this year.

Offical website for anime
Another official site

World Destruction/ ワールド・デストラクション

This OP grew on me. At first I find it weird but now I kinda like it.



The game theme version.

I am interested to see the direction of anime taking, it did caught my interest due to unusual story and nihilistic female lead, Muerte. Plus episode 5 have 2 legends on opposing sides again, voice acting as small bear characters (Tohryu Furuya who did Amuro Ray and Shuichi Ikeda as Char/Sha Aznable). Their "reunion" is tongue in cheek nod to their previous roles in legendary Mobile Suit Gundam. Hehe.

Will do review on this anime once it is done.

Kannagi/ かんなぎ Trailer

Looks good so far. I do wonder if this series can take down Haruhi Season 2. Remains to be seen.

Earlier entry on Kannagi

Franz Kafka's story animated; The Country's Doctor / カフカ 田舎医者

Trailer

This is multiple award winning effort by Koji Yamamura, based on famous Franz Kafka's story. Very artistic, very surreal and awesome animation. I can see why it is become award winning, it feels unique in experiencing the movie. To me it is like watching Piccasso or Dali's painting being animated in a semblance of a story.

Despite its superlative qualities, this is not for mainstream audience. However for those who look for higher expression of animation, this one is a must see.

Short info on the movie
Variety report on Hiroshima award won by it

Macross Frontier ep 20

Michel died. The ludicrous sniper VF pilot dude punch the ticket right after got confession from Zentraedi woman, Klan.

The problem is the story of their relationship is not developed enough. Hard to feel anything when he got KIA. Frontier is quite pretty but some of the characters are quite hollow. Pity.

Well, it is a genocidal warfare between species, I would expect a very Darwinian struggle. After all, it is war, people get killed.

It is up to the writers of Macross Frontier but my beef is interesting characters like Ozma is sadly neglected. Alto turns out to be cookie cutter character, very predictable whereas the green hair diva reminds me too much of Lynn Min Mei.

Sheryl is alright but some filler episodes like 7 totally wasted her potential to be developed more. As the result she becomes unrealistically moody towards the end of the story.

What I can forsee is they will accelerate the ending. I always in favour of bittersweet ending but Macross has mixed history on that aspect.