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Masculinity in Japan + S. Korea, and Josо̄
It’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything at all, and many years, in fact, since I’ve posted anything on gender. For those new to my blog,…
Japan and South Korea: what makes them unique?
Japan and South Korea are longtime rivals that appear alike; but if you scratch beneath the surface, you'll find that they're very different. Here we look at their…
Japan and South Korea: what makes them unique?
Japan and South Korea are longtime rivals that appear alike; but if you scratch beneath the surface, you'll find that they're very different. Here we look at their…
Yomu in Japan: Cultural Festival Edition
All right, I’ve been dragging my feet a bit in regards to writing this post. It’s actually been a little over a month now, as the cultural festival…
Revisiting the Popularity and Cultural Context of Vampire Knight
For better or for worse, there’s nothing quite like Vampire Knight out there. Revisiting the series today—about 15 years after its release—reveals not only a lot of its…
Korea Independent Animation Festival 2022 in Japan
A look at the films and talks that will be screened online at the Korea Independent Animation Festival 2022 – available to viewers in Japan
Korea Independent Animation Festival 2023 in Japan
A look at the films and talks that will be screened online at the Korea Independent Animation Festival 2023 – available to viewers in Japan
5 Cultural Activities to Try in Japan
Learn more about Japanese culture by trying out any of these traditional workshops.
Cultural Impact of: HETALIA
Hello and welcome back to Otaku Thursday! Today we’re going to be throwing back to a phenomenon that swept the otaku nation. I’m talking about none other than:…
What About Korea and China?
I make my allegiance to Asia pretty obvious on this blog, but God of High School makes it apparent the situation is a lot trickier than I make…
How Sakura Blossoms Gained Cultural Significance in Japan
The sakura (cherry blossom) is practically synonymous with Japan. Here's a deeper look at the history of this fascinating flower's popularity
The Otakusphere: Censorship, cultural exchange and reckless fire
Good morning and welcome to another beautiful day in the Otakusphere. Today is a great day. First of all, we had snow. I was worried we were just…
How The Fuji TV Scandal Became a Cultural Reckoning For Japan
The Nakai Masahiro/Fuji TV scandal feels like the most impactful media scandal in decades in Japan. What set it apart?
Cultural Realm
Welcome to the Cultural Realm! 🌏✨ I’m thrilled to introduce a new series here on my blog, Cultural Realm, where we’ll explore the rich and fascinating traditions, stories,…
Animation During the Cultural Revolution
The dark years of Chinese animation.
Explore Japan Through Anime - Cultural Tourism Festival at Expo 2025
If you can get to the 2025 Expo Osaka-Kansai between Wednesday 30th, April to Friday 2nd May 2025 you'll want to check out the Cool Japan Sh...
Considering Cultural Rootlessness
I have a bad habit. A sin, if you will, to confess. I envy people from “old” countries. As a history nerd, I read about Europe, China, Japan…
Reactionary Fandom And The Myth Of The Snyder Cut, Chapter 1: The Nerd Cultural Revolution
It’s not easy being a movie critic these days. Critics who truly understand the purpose of art criticism, or even what criticism is, are a dying species. More…
Pocky Day, Singles' Day & Pepero Day (Japan, China & South Korea) | WooKong
A day where Chinese people spend billions of dollars online, while at the same time a South Korean and a Japanese company fight to become the Chocolate king…
The Secret Ingredient: Cultural Repackaging X!
Naughty Ninja just discovered a very bizarre magical bishoujo revisioning of the Powerpuff Girls, which suffice to say is the strangest cultural feedback loop I’ve seen.…
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel Among Most Played Games of 2023 in Japan, South Korea
Gamers in Japan and South Korea love Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel and spent a significant amount of time playing the hit game in 2023. That’s the word from Gamelight,…
Bocchi the Rock – Episode 10 – The Cultural Festival Dilemma and Kikuri’s Band
Episode impressions of Bocchi the Rock Episode 10 as hints of a poster asking for performances at the cultural festival, will Hitori take the offer? Unfortunately, the answer…
What to See and Do at Gundam Base Korea
Did you know there are 18 Gundam Bases in the world? Each of these official stores offer elaborate themed Gundam displays and exclusive P-Bandai models. They are located…
The Missing part 5: J.Js relationships to other characters and a general reflection of the cultural context
All the central plot, themes and symbolism of the entire game will be discussed in-depth, so either you should have finished the game or not mind being spoiled.…
Episode 605, "Eiichiro Oda's Reflections On The Loss Of Cultural Identity and The Rise of Fascism in Wano Country" (with @GrandLineReview)
On this episode of The One Piece Podcast we have hosts Zach , Ed & Steve on the show along with special guests GrandLineReview a/k/a…
Episode 605, "Eiichiro Oda's Reflections On The Loss Of Cultural Identity and The Rise of Fascism in Wano Country" (with GrandLineReview)
On this episode of The One Piece Podcast we have hosts Zach, Ed & Steve on the show along with special guests GrandLineReview a/k/a Liam (One Piece YouTuber), Crunchyroll's Senior Staff Writer Dan…
My Hero Academia, One Piece, One-Punch Man, Bleach, Death Note
Episode 605, "Eiichiro Oda's Reflections On The Loss Of Cultural Identity and The Rise of Fascism in Wano Country" (with GrandLineReview)
On this episode of The One Piece Podcast we have hosts Zach, Ed & Steve on the show along with special guests GrandLineReview a/k/a Liam (One Piece YouTuber), Crunchyroll's Senior Staff Writer Dan…
My Hero Academia, One Piece, One-Punch Man, Bleach, Death Note
Episode 605, "Eiichiro Oda's Reflections On The Loss Of Cultural Identity and The Rise of Fascism in Wano Country" (with GrandLineReview)
On this episode of The One Piece Podcast we have hosts Zach, Ed & Steve on the show along with special guests GrandLineReview a/k/a Liam (One Piece YouTuber), Crunchyroll's Senior Staff Writer Dan…
My Hero Academia, One Piece, One-Punch Man, Bleach, Death Note
Fireworks In Japan: The Culture and Festivals of Hanabi
Summer in Japan sees the skies aflame with fireworks. Ever wonder why? Read on to learn about the history and cultural significance.
The History and Benefits of Baby Wearing in Japan
Whether you’re on the go with your little one or staying closer to home, consider wearing your baby—a comfortable, convenient and longstanding choice for parents in Japanese cities.
South Korea Day 1 | Seoul Tower
Hey hey! It’s the start of a new adventure, this time to Seoul, South Korea. This trip was really random – one day, I just asked my sister…
South Korea Day 2 | Seoul’s Palaces
My impromptu adventure in Korea continues! Day 2 started with a simple breakfast at cafe Tous Les Jours, this awesome little cafe on the same street as our…
Korea as Viewed by 12 Creators
This anthology of twelve short stories, six by Korean artists and six by French, follows the same basic template as Japan As Viewed by 17 Creators, offering brief,…
South Korea Day 1 | Seoul Tower
Hey hey! It’s the start of a new adventure, this time to Seoul, South Korea. This trip was really random – one day, I just asked my sister…
South Korea Day 2 | Seoul’s Palaces
My impromptu adventure in Korea continues! Day 2 started with a simple breakfast at cafe Tous Les Jours, this awesome little cafe on the same street as our…
Paid in Blood (South Korea, 2021)
Colleen Wanglund reviews Yoon Young-bin's crime drama Paid in Blood.
Framed Cities: Cultural Citizenship & Urban Spatiality
Philosopher Alain de Botton stated at the 2013 CDI (or the City of Ideas International Festival), that “the media is the teacher…once you’ve left school and university, or…
What’s your favorite cross-cultural adaptation?
Favorite Japanese adaptation of a non-Japanese work? Favorite adaptation of a Japanese work done in another country? If they’re transmedia adaptations, what makes the shift successful?
Newman’s Nook: Biblical vs. Cultural Angels
Angels are prominent figures in our culture and others, and have been for thousands of years. They are biblical beings that are commonly used culturally to connect a…
AMERICAN AND BRITISH SCI-FI THROUGH THE EYES AND EARS OF JAPAN.
One thing I've always dug over the years, was the Japanese versions of records (sonosheet) and models of American and British sci-fi. The co...
PART 1 – ON THE SYSTEMATIC RAPE OF BLACK / FOREIGN / UNDERAGED GIRLS IN SOUTH KOREA
Part 1 of a 3-part series on K-pop drama. Foreword by everyone’s hero, D_S: This isn’t anime, but K-pop is close enough. Also, these opinions are all Sapphi’s…
Hitchhiking in Japan: Sado Island and The Kindness of Strangers
Off the coast of Niigata Prefecture, two foreigners explore Sado Island in the company of strangers.
The Challenges of Researching Japan
Sometimes it’s difficult to find good research about Japanese culture. Oh, I can find information online easily, but the quality is often suspect. Wikipedia isn’t reliable, and I’…
The United States of Japan
Japan didn't set out to be a pop-culture superpower. It just played out that way.
The Declining Population of Japan
By 2060, Japan will have a population of 86.7 million, from today’s population of 125 million (Yamaguchi, 2022). The population will also grow older. This trend has been…
The History of Anime & Japan
Anime or Japanese Animation (アニメ) is perhaps one of the most influential forms of media in the modern world. It has a history spaning over a century and…
Why is anime so afraid of embracing a multi-cultural cast
The mystifying question that hangs over Girls und Panzer
How K-Pop and K-Dramas are attracting visitors to South Korea
Korea's exports, like K-Pop and K-Dramas, have enticed fans to visit the country for a first-hand cultural experience.
The Controversial Oral Tradition Called “Waedeoksan” in Jindo, South Korea
The post The Controversial Oral Tradition Called “Waedeoksan” in Jindo, South Korea appeared first on Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus.
South Korea Day 3 | Nami Island ♡
Nami Island has got to be one of my favourite places on earth. It was just so beautiful – and we almost didn’t get to go! My sister…