Search results

559 results, page 1 of 12

Featured image for Chicago Japan Film Collective – Virtual Screenings ThoughtsBackground image for Chicago Japan Film Collective – Virtual Screenings Thoughts

Chicago Japan Film Collective – Virtual Screenings Thoughts

I don’t think that the Chicago Japan Film Collective needs too much introduction on my blog. I’ve covered the two in person screening for Sayuri, and Qualia with…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for November 2024 Monthly FavoritesBackground image for November 2024 Monthly Favorites

November 2024 Monthly Favorites

Welcome back one and all to my little monthly round-up. Keeping with the spirit of the past month, I just want to say I’m incredibly thankful for all…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Chicago Japan Film Collective – QualiaBackground image for Chicago Japan Film Collective – Qualia

Chicago Japan Film Collective – Qualia

This happened to be the closing night feature film for the fourth annual Chicago Japan Film Collective (CJFC). I had managed to snag a ticket, but couldn’t drag…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Natsume November – Manga ReviewBackground image for Natsume November – Manga Review

Natsume November – Manga Review

Beginning Note: This review covers Natsume’s Book of Friends to volume thirty, specifically up to chapter 123. While I intend to keep this review spoiler free, I will…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Chicago Japan Film Collective – House of SayuriBackground image for Chicago Japan Film Collective – House of Sayuri

Chicago Japan Film Collective – House of Sayuri

I actually stumbled upon knowledge about the Chicago Japan Film Collective (CJFC) back in 2023. Due to moving and timing though I wasn’t able to attend the screenings,…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Library Loot Round-Up: What Would have been the Halloween SpecialBackground image for Library Loot Round-Up: What Would have been the Halloween Special

Library Loot Round-Up: What Would have been the Halloween Special

I make secret plans for the blog. They just don’t quite always come to full fruition. I found a good stash of manga at my library, as always…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Natsume November – Talking About Natsume’s Soundtrack over the yearsBackground image for Natsume November – Talking About Natsume’s Soundtrack over the years

Natsume November – Talking About Natsume’s Soundtrack over the years

I’m not going to pretend for a second that I know much about anime soundtracks. I have a higher then average understanding of how to read music, what…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Natsume November – Season Seven Mid-series MusingsBackground image for Natsume November – Season Seven Mid-series Musings

Natsume November – Season Seven Mid-series Musings

Fair warning: this does contain light spoilers – comparison from manga to anime in this post. It does not spoil any actual narrative or character developments in the…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Chicago International Film Festival – CloudBackground image for Chicago International Film Festival – Cloud

Chicago International Film Festival – Cloud

When I was getting in line for this film, I was genuinely surprised at how long the line was. This particular film probably had the biggest turn out…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Chicago International Film Festival – My SunshineBackground image for Chicago International Film Festival – My Sunshine

Chicago International Film Festival – My Sunshine

Another beautiful day in Chicago, and it was another film in theaters due to the Chicago International Film Festival. I was really lucky that I snagged a ticket,…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for October 2024 Monthly FavoritesBackground image for October 2024 Monthly Favorites

October 2024 Monthly Favorites

Welcome one and all, to the least creepy blog post of them all. I’m trying to be creative here folks, and I am floundering. Still, you guys know…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Chicago International Film Festival – Super Happy ForeverBackground image for Chicago International Film Festival – Super Happy Forever

Chicago International Film Festival – Super Happy Forever

I headed out once again to Chicago, for the Chicago International Film Festival. With the Kore-eda retrospective finished, there were still three other Japanese films in the lineup…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for OVA October: Ariel Visual and DeluxeBackground image for OVA October: Ariel Visual and Deluxe

OVA October: Ariel Visual and Deluxe

Somewhere along the lines of my internet browsing I saw a visual for the series Ariel. Which is a the light novel series from 1986 that only finished…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Nobody Knows with post-screening Question and Answer Commentary at the Chicago International Film FestivalBackground image for Nobody Knows with post-screening Question and Answer Commentary at the Chicago International Film Festival

Nobody Knows with post-screening Question and Answer Commentary at the Chicago International Film Festival

Having just watched After the Storm, I had a bit of time to kill before attempting to rush for Nobody Knows. I got real food for dinner, puttered…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for After the Storm Movie and Question and Answer Synopsis at the Chicago International Film FestivalBackground image for After the Storm Movie and Question and Answer Synopsis at the Chicago International Film Festival

After the Storm Movie and Question and Answer Synopsis at the Chicago International Film Festival

I’m not someone who pays too much attention to big movie festivals, despite be relatively local to many. My twin was nice enough to tip me off that…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Library Loot: ClaudineBackground image for Library Loot: Claudine

Library Loot: Claudine

In purusing the shelves of various bookstores, I come across series that slipped past my radar over the years. In particular, this being the rather slim volume of…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Did they learn finally learn how to adapt Ito Junji? Uzumaki (2024)Background image for Did they learn finally learn how to adapt Ito Junji? Uzumaki (2024)

Did they learn finally learn how to adapt Ito Junji? Uzumaki (2024)

After having posted about this series over a year ago in “Animation studios have learned nothing – regarding Ito Junji adaptations”. I can’t NOT follow up on Uzumaki…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for OVA October – Twilight QBackground image for OVA October – Twilight Q

OVA October – Twilight Q

Many moons ago, I mentioned in passing that my favorite American TV program was The Twilight Zone. It was part of a post where I was recommending things…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for SHY the Second Season – Anime ReviewBackground image for SHY the Second Season – Anime Review

SHY the Second Season – Anime Review

Once again, it appears that Shy now having finished it’s second season has slipped past many folks’ radar for new anime to watch. To be honest while I…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Look Back – Anime Movie ReviewBackground image for Look Back – Anime Movie Review

Look Back – Anime Movie Review

If I hadn’t gotten so many targeted ads for this film via social media and my online friend circle I don’t think I would have gone to it.…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for OVA October – KimeraBackground image for OVA October – Kimera

OVA October – Kimera

Welcome one and all, back to a little feature I call OVA October. It’s pretty straightfoward but I feel like doing my tiny introduction spiel. OVA stands for…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for September 2024 Monthly FavoritesBackground image for September 2024 Monthly Favorites

September 2024 Monthly Favorites

Welcome one, and welcome all to the best blog feature of them all – my monthly favorites. It’s a jam packed entry this time around. So I’m not…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for There’s a Time for Everything – Time of EVE Movie (Review)Background image for There’s a Time for Everything – Time of EVE Movie (Review)

There’s a Time for Everything – Time of EVE Movie (Review)

This is another anime film that has been on my plan to watch list for nearly a decade. A really good friend recommended it to me, and thanks…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for The End of Summer Film – It’s a Summer Film!Background image for The End of Summer Film – It’s a Summer Film!

The End of Summer Film – It’s a Summer Film!

I’m only a touch late regarding talking about JFF Theater films. They’ve only been up for over a month, with two of them leaving streaming by the end…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Library Loot: Jellyfish EyesBackground image for Library Loot: Jellyfish Eyes

Library Loot: Jellyfish Eyes

SURPRISE! You thought that Library Loot was only going to be anime and manga didn’t you? Being 100% real, I thought so too. I had some serious disconnect…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for The Half-Way Mark with Bakuage Sentai BoomboongerBackground image for The Half-Way Mark with Bakuage Sentai Boomboonger

The Half-Way Mark with Bakuage Sentai Boomboonger

To open this, I’d like to make it clear that this is my first time ever watching a Super Sentai series. I’ve been interested in the franchise for…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for A Fresh Take on Coming of Age – Confetti (movie review)Background image for A Fresh Take on Coming of Age – Confetti (movie review)

A Fresh Take on Coming of Age – Confetti (movie review)

Every once in awhile, I unintentionally put myself in a position where I need to drag other people into my hobbies. It sounds convoluted because it is. I…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for I Know You Rider – Kamen Rider Gavv First ImpressionsBackground image for I Know You Rider – Kamen Rider Gavv First Impressions

I Know You Rider – Kamen Rider Gavv First Impressions

Before even getting into Kamen Rider Gavv (Gavv), I do want to add a bit of context to my commentary. I’m 100% new to the world of Kamen…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for August 2024 Monthly FavoritesBackground image for August 2024 Monthly Favorites

August 2024 Monthly Favorites

Welcome back to your favorite monthly featurette – my Monthly Favorites of course! I have a lot to get into so let’s dive into it.

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Animated Movie August: Like the Clouds, Like the WindBackground image for Animated Movie August: Like the Clouds, Like the Wind

Animated Movie August: Like the Clouds, Like the Wind

Welcome to the third, and for this year, final installation of Animated Movie August. This particular film is… technically not a film. Whoops. Like the Clouds, Like the…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Library Loot – Rapid Reviews Vol. 4Background image for Library Loot – Rapid Reviews Vol. 4

Library Loot – Rapid Reviews Vol. 4

Welcome back to another edition of Library Loot! Glad to have you back to peruse what I’ve been reading these past few months. With limited barriers, and no…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Animated Movie August: Sword of the StrangerBackground image for Animated Movie August: Sword of the Stranger

Animated Movie August: Sword of the Stranger

Welcome back to the second installation of Animated Movie August, 2024 edition. It’s pretty self explanatory, so I’ll keep it moving. This particular film came onto my radar…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Library Loot – Rapid Reviews Vol.3 – Anime Movies EditionBackground image for Library Loot – Rapid Reviews Vol.3 – Anime Movies Edition

Library Loot – Rapid Reviews Vol.3 – Anime Movies Edition

It’s the first edition of a Rapid Reviews talking about anime! As you can tell, this was brought to you via my library system. I managed to borrow…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for A film that really made me think a lot post-watch – Radiance (2017)Background image for A film that really made me think a lot post-watch – Radiance (2017)

A film that really made me think a lot post-watch – Radiance (2017)

When and where I can, I make the point to attend as many free screenings of films as I can. The cost is usually my commute ticket and…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Animated Movie August: PromareBackground image for Animated Movie August: Promare

Animated Movie August: Promare

Welcome back to AMA or Animated Movie August. I enjoyed this feature that I tried out back in 2022, so I figured I’d bring it back. It’s rather…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for The Super Sentai Deconstruction? Sentai Daishikkaku (anime review)Background image for The Super Sentai Deconstruction? Sentai Daishikkaku (anime review)

The Super Sentai Deconstruction? Sentai Daishikkaku (anime review)

I am not afraid of bandwagoning a series, if the premise is interesting enough. I had heard some whisperings of Sentai Daishikkaku, or in English Go! Go! Loser…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for July 2024 Monthly FavoritesBackground image for July 2024 Monthly Favorites

July 2024 Monthly Favorites

Hello bloggers, it is the feature that never fails – my Monthly Favorites! This month has been a lot of big surprises. I had a record number of…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Aomori Represent~! Grandpa and Grandma are Young Again (anime review)Background image for Aomori Represent~! Grandpa and Grandma are Young Again (anime review)

Aomori Represent~! Grandpa and Grandma are Young Again (anime review)

This is now my second serious attempt to review this anime. For me when a series is near and dear to my heart, it’s harder to write down…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Library Loot: The Taniguchi Jiro Special (Rapid Reviews Vol. 2)Background image for Library Loot: The Taniguchi Jiro Special (Rapid Reviews Vol. 2)

Library Loot: The Taniguchi Jiro Special (Rapid Reviews Vol. 2)

Welcome back to another edition of rapid reviews! Brought to you by my utterly fabulous library service. It’s a short collection highlighting some manga I’ve read that I…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Library Loot: Kamen RiderBackground image for Library Loot: Kamen Rider

Library Loot: Kamen Rider

Welcome back to Library Loot! It feels like it’s been ages since I’ve written one of these up. I promise my manga reading hasn’t slowed down in the…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Library Loot (mostly): Ghost in the Shell: AriseBackground image for Library Loot (mostly): Ghost in the Shell: Arise

Library Loot (mostly): Ghost in the Shell: Arise

Back in 2013, I was busy at the weird cross roads of ending high school and heading into my college years. That meant that I was keeping loose…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Koisuru Keigo 24ji – Oh what I do for Iwamoto HikaruBackground image for Koisuru Keigo 24ji – Oh what I do for Iwamoto Hikaru

Koisuru Keigo 24ji – Oh what I do for Iwamoto Hikaru

This is one of those titles that I followed on a weekly basis greedily, and then towards the end I fell off of following it. The subber hasn’t…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Fishbowl Wives – The Glitz-iest Netflix JDramaBackground image for Fishbowl Wives – The Glitz-iest Netflix JDrama

Fishbowl Wives – The Glitz-iest Netflix JDrama

Back in 2022, when this series was first announced I was so sure that I was going to watch it right away. I mean Iwata Takanori, like always,…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for The Sultry Summer Night Movie – Jungle Emperor LeoBackground image for The Sultry Summer Night Movie – Jungle Emperor Leo

The Sultry Summer Night Movie – Jungle Emperor Leo

 I really need to get better at reading the fine print of things. The Japanese Film Festival Online hosted this film from June 5th 2024 to June 19th…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for June 2024 Monthly FavoritesBackground image for June 2024 Monthly Favorites

June 2024 Monthly Favorites

Welcome back to the the Monthly Favorites! Due to extenuating circumstances, this month’s feature is incredibly thin on my end. That doesn’t mean that there wasn’t good stuff…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Single8 – My Summer Film for 2024Background image for Single8 – My Summer Film for 2024

Single8 – My Summer Film for 2024

I really need to get better at reading the fine print of things. The Japanese Film Festival Online hosted this film from June 5th 2024 to June 19th…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Now we’ll finally connect with IS:SUEBackground image for Now we’ll finally connect with IS:SUE

Now we’ll finally connect with IS:SUE

After a not so long hiatus from talking about jpop, and jpop adjacent groups I am back with ME:I’s only slightly younger sister group IS:SUE. Built with four…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Here to Inform you about “Informa” (Jdrama review)Background image for Here to Inform you about “Informa” (Jdrama review)

Here to Inform you about “Informa” (Jdrama review)

Last year, this drama was so high on my priority list. It was a huge deal that Sano Reo was finally getting a main role after a long…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for Once Upon a Crime – Glitz, Glamour and … Murder?Background image for Once Upon a Crime – Glitz, Glamour and … Murder?

Once Upon a Crime – Glitz, Glamour and … Murder?

I do my best to support things in official capacities as much as I can afford. Once Upon a Crime being one such project I got to when…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan

Featured image for The frustrations of collecting Tezuka manga in EnglishBackground image for The frustrations of collecting Tezuka manga in English

The frustrations of collecting Tezuka manga in English

Foreword: This is purely an opinion piece, from a fan of Tezuka and consumer of English-language manga releases. I do not hold any malicious intentions towards any parties…

Phoenix Talks Pop Culture Japan