Featured Articles tagged as "History and Culture"
The Unnoticed World of Korean Anime
The history of Korean animation, or Aeni, would probably be a bona fide blockbuster, with the highs and lows punctuated with enough dramatic punch. This is an underdog story about the oft forgotten animators that help make our beloved Western and Japanese animations...
The Beauty of Sakura in Real Life and in Anime
In Japan, with Spring comes the hanami (flower-watching) season, in which the nation's most famous flowers, cherry blossoms (aka sakura), begin their short but breathtaking cycle of life, from when they first bloom to the day they float to the ground. Let's join the celebration!
Gintama and Edo Culture
Gintama is a beloved anime both overseas and in Japan. While the main genre and point of the show is satire and humor, the show set in the Edo area, and thus is heavy in cultural and historical background.
American Studios and Production Committees: Risks and Rewards
In the early-mid 2000s, US licensing companies were involved in numerous anime Production Committees. It didn't go so well for them. This year, several US licensors are trying their luck on Production Committees again. Will it go better this time?
Being an Anime Fan in South Africa
Friendship, creativity and a sense of achievement are just a few reasons to explain our excitement as otaku. We are counting down a few things that make us proud to be South African otaku.
Manga, Manhua, and Manhwa: What’s the difference?
What does manga, manhua, and manhwa have in common with formaggio, queso, and fromage? It’s mainly a matter of language, but there are other differences between the three. Why not learn the difference with these awesome titles?
The Zen of BooBies: Buddhism in Space Dandy
Space Dandy: the silly adventures of a dandy guy in space... or a complex story about achieving and rejecting Buddhist Enlightenment over the course of many lifetimes? Why not both? Join us as we examine the the hidden philosophical and religious themes within Shinichiro Watanabe's hit comedy.
Current and 90s Pop Culture References in Samurai Flamenco
Samurai Flamenco is full of action, superheroes, larger than life monsters, and references. The anime is filled to the brim with head nods and references to 90s and current pop culture. Can you name them all? Samunenco Reference Scouts, assemble!
What Assassination Classroom Teaches Us
A classroom of assassins and an impossibly fast superbeing responsible for destroying most of the moon - Assassination Classroom isn't your average high school anime! But what makes this series so different to others like it?
Guide of Tokyo Station - Shops, Restaurants and Tons of Anime!
With a history of over 100 years, Tokyo Station is not only an important base of transportation for the people in Japan, but also a famous landmark for the most populated city in the country. Get ready to explore one of the world's most renowned train stations. All aboard!
What Does the Fox Say? The Meaning Behind the Kitsune Mask
If you're a fan of anime or Japanese culture, you've probably seen a kitsune mask before. Where does it come from? What is it used for? Let's take a brief look at the cultural significance of the kitsune mask and some of its appearances in anime.
What is Anime?
What anime fan hasn't asked themselves the question "What is anime?" at least once? With a new-found love comes an initial curiosity to learn more. But with an ocean of information out there, it's difficult to know where to begin. Well, why not start here? Let's unveil the mystery that is anime!
1,001 Nights of Magi: the Historical Origins of Magi Characters
Did some of the names in Magi sound just a tiny bit familiar to you? That’s because many Magi characters draw their names and inspiration from a certain famous Middle Eastern collection of stories. Better get ready, because it’s going to be a long 1,001 nights!
Onmyodo and Onmyoji in Anime
Have you ever wondered about those characters in anime that cast spells using hand seals and pieces of paper? Well, in this analysis we’ll take a look at onmyodo in anime, as well as some prominent onmyoji and the tools they use.
Religion and Symbolism in Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is probably one of the most polarizing anime series in existence. It's an intricate work with some strong symbolism which few people properly understand. Let's take a deeper look at what it borrows from religion and esoteric mysticism.
25+ Great LGBT Anime Characters: Beyond Boy's Love
When you think of gay anime characters, you probably think of yaoi and yuri, but great LGBT anime characters can be found in other genres. Learn about the history of sexuality and gender in Japan, how their attitudes differ from the US, and which LGBT characters challenge stereotypes.
What Exactly Does 'Otaku' Mean?
The term otaku is often used in the West to refer to anyone interested in anime. But is that what otaku really means? Learn about the history behind the otaku phenomenon and how different anime have reacted to it, as well as anime fandom in general.
Fate/Zero Characters: Meet the Servants and Their Historical Origins
Fate/Zero is a roller-coaster of an anime, filled with fantasy, drama, comedy, tragedy, but most of all, compelling characters. But just how historically accurate are the "Heroes of Legend" in this anime? Find out now in this detailed guide to the background of our favorite servants!
The King Arthur Era Origins of the Seven Sins in Nanatsu no Taizai
You may have noticed some references to the legends of King Arthur in Nanatsu no Taizai. You might be surprised to learn how deep these connections run: every Sin has an Arthurian legend equivalent. From kings to gods, read on to find out who’s who in the Seven Sins of the Round Table!