Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
anime (Page 250)
As the popularity of Japanese anime has spread around the world, many foreign artists have paid tribute to the genre by drawing characters from popular anime series in the style of their own country’s animation.
Sometime this turns out really cool, like the cast of One Piece reimagined Disney-style. But for art styles that aren’t as easily adaptable as Disney, such cultural crossovers can get a little bizarre.
Mercedes-Benz seems to be pulling out all the stops to advertise their 2013 model of A-Class car, the A 180. In fact they have created a six-minute animated feature starring the A 180, in a rollicking race for the ultimate prize titled Next A Class.
Luckily, I grew up in the era of advertisements thinly veiled as cartoons. All the Noids or Cavity Creeps in the world couldn’t sway my purchasing preferences. Years of Chester Cheetah and Fido Dido have hardened my mind to the subliminal messages animations can carry.
So although this anime short was well made and entertaining, it in no way swayed my opinion of this sleek new A 180 that perfectly combines the high performance of a sports car with the economic sensibility of a compact.
Few things could delight kids (and big kids!) more than mimicking their favourite TV shows, movies and videogames, and sitting down to the exact same meal that their heroes enjoy.
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles always had the most mouth-watering pizza; Ponyo and Sousuke had home-made ramen noodles; Pop-eye had canned spinach… OK, so maybe not every cartoon meal is the greatest, but putting together food that looks exactly as it did in our favourite shows is sure to inspire even the most kitchen-shy of us to have a go, not to mention encourage fussy eaters to try something new.
If it’s anime-inspired food you’re looking for, cooking website Bistro Animeshi (a combination of “anime” and “meshi”, meaning rice or food) has everything from the fish pie delivered by Kiki herself in Kiki’s Delivery Service to Naruto’s favourite ramen noodles. As well as providing step-by-step recipes for each dish, the food blog makes every effort to match the original dishes as much as possible. We’re sure that you’ll be blown away by what they have to offer.
Plenty of tantalising food photos after the jump!
After three years of waiting and months of promotional tie-ins, Evangelion 3.0: You Can (Not) Redo finally debuted in theaters across Japan at midnight tonight.
To get fans pumped up for the long-awaited release (as if they weren’t enough already), Nippon Television Network aired both of the previous Rebuild of Evangelion movies over the past two Fridays— Evangelion 1.11: You Are (Not) Alone on November 9 and Evangelion 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance last night— and topped it off with a special treat by broadcasting the first six minutes and 36 seconds of Evangelion 3.0 after the ending credits of last night’s showing.
We are pleased to bring you those six minutes and 36 seconds, as well as the newly-released music video for Sakura Nagashi, the Evangelion 3.0 theme by Utada Hikaru, below.
Thanks to popular anime, Lucky Star (Raki☆Suta), all of Japan has become familiar with the city of Washinomiya in Saitama prefecture. The Washinomiya Shrine in particular has become famous among fans because of its appearance in the opening credits of the anime. As a result, every year since 2007, Washinomiya Shrine has been invaded by hoards of otaku looking to ring in the new year; 2012 being a particularly busy year with 470,000 Lucky Star fans visiting the shrine. Cities associated with popular anime often see an influx of visitors looking to take pictures and recreate scenes from their favorite anime, especially those that have been featured in magazines highlighting popular anime and manga locales, like Washinomiya Shrine.
Recently, a different kind of otaku gathering took place in Washinomiya. Named “Crush Fest in Washinomiya 2012,” this event is arguably the most “painful” otaku athletic meet in all of Japan. At the same time, a “painful” car festival took place, bringing in anime otaku from far and wide.
Ruroni Kenshin, or Samurai X, as it was originally known in English, is one of the most beloved manga of all time.
Some would say it’s even better than the best-selling manga of all time, One Piece. Others would point out that they’re both good in their own right and shouldn’t be compared. After all, both are representative works of Shonen Jump magazine, and One Piece artist, Eiichiro Oda, even used to be an assistant for Nobuhiro Watsuki when he was working on Ruroni Kenshin.
In fact, Oda respects his former sensei so much that he even contributed a stylized portrait of Ruroni Kenshin‘s hero, Himura Kenshin, to the most recent issue of Shonen Jump.
The only problem is it looks nothing like Kenshin.
On October 29, Microsoft Corp Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said that since its release on Friday, Windows 8 has been selling at a higher rate than Windows 7, the best-selling version of Windows to date.
Despite confusion over alleged magic touch screen-imbuing capabilities, Windows 8 seems to be doing well in Japan as well— so well, in fact, that limited-quantity DSP editions of the operating system, which feature two unofficial Windows 8-themed “moe” mascots, are already beginning to sell out, proving once again that the Japanese will buy anything with a cute anime girl on it (not that there was a lack evidence).
How many times have you ever been running to school late in the morning, rushing to get to class before the bell rings, only to turn the corner and bump into someone of the opposite sex, who you consequently fall in love with?
If your answer is more than “none,” chances are you’re either an anime character or an extremely well-organized stalker. Let’s face it: while there are plenty of situations found in anime or manga that seem like they could play out in real life, most are unlikely to ever naturally occur unless by some bizarre fluke.
Niconico News recently asked 500 of their readers to brainstorm some of the most common examples of such situations. Check what they came up with below!
You know something’s a hit when people all over the world are taking to their keyboards to express their amazement and tweeting the links like the internet’s about to be switched off.
Created by music group Ongaku Unit and featuring the vocal talents of hugely-popular voice actor and singer Megumi Nakajima, the video, titled “Transfer”, has already found much love abroad, with many claiming that the video is nothing short of “a revolution” and “the future of music videos”.
Any anime or manga fan will tell you that the sight of characters suffering sudden, sporadic nosebleeds when they’re sexually aroused is not uncommon in Japanese-created works.
A male character catches a glimpse of a girl undressing, a girl has the object of her affection wink seductively at her, a character trips and finds his face inches from a female character’s ample bosom; the result is always the same- a flushed face followed by a gushing nosebleed.
The idea is that sexual arousal causes an increase in blood pressure, which in turn sets off a nosebleed. It’s certainly true that arousal or embarrassment can cause us to flush– I can clearly recall my face bursting into flames when I was 12 years old and the girl in my class whom I was madly in love with was dared to kiss me on the cheek– but could it really cause a nosebleed?
NicoNico News turned to a medical professional to find out whether there’s any truth to the anime phenomenon, or whether it’s just an old wives’ tale…
“It just goes to show that we really do live in a peaceful country.”
A quote from an internet user sums up the mood perfectly after Japan’s Self Defence Forces unveil a unique attack helicopter covered with manga-influenced designs and colours.
Presented as part of an air show in Chiba prefecture last weekend, the quirky new helicopter quickly stole the show, with hundreds of people taking photos and video to share on the internet.
Whether we’d ever see a helicopter like this fly into battle or not, there’s no denying that it has an awful lot of charm.
Fuji TV proved itself the forerunner of equal opportunity employment for digital labor earlier this week when they announced they had brought CG character Lune Anri on board as the network’s newest announcer.
It was revealed yesterday that Saint Onīsan, quite possibly this writer’s favourite manga right now, is to become an animated feature film.
For the unfamiliar, Saint Onīsan (lit. Saint young man), is Hikaru Nakamura’s serial comic that tells the tale of Jesus and Buddha, who come down to Earth from heaven for a little rest and relaxation, setting up camp in a small apartment in Tachikawa, Tokyo.
Constantly on a budget but always keen to explore, Jesus and Buddha do their best to keep their true identities secret while experiencing as much everyday human life as possible. Doing everything from experiencing local festivals to shopping for a rice cooker, the pair often find themselves getting into genuinely hilarious mishaps. Read More
I don’t know about other guys, but even if I’m in a healthy relationship I will sometimes encounter a girl who completely grabs my attention and doesn’t let go.
Maybe she’s stunningly beautiful, maybe she exudes charisma and style; whatever it is, there’s just something about her that captivates me—but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m romantically interested.
It’s like I’ve been trying to tell my wife for the past three hours while she’s locked herself in the bathroom with my wallet and phone: there are some girls you want to date and there are some girls you just want to look at.
Just take a look at the illustration above, which sparked an online debate over ideal girlfriends vs. ideal eye-candy after being poster to Twitter earlier this week.
If the cosplay typically seen at anime conventions is a little too extreme for you, take a look at these toned down cosplay alternates. The clothing and style of beloved anime and cartoon characters from all over the world have been transformed into fashionable clothing for everyday wear. Who knew Lisa Simpson’s orange paper bag dress could look sexy and that taking a fashion cue from Papa Smurf would result in a decent getup?
Have trouble getting to sleep? The sensory depriving qualities of a sleep mask might be just what you’re looking for. Sure, you may think eye masks are for wealthy dowagers and other fuddy-duddies. However, these masks cater to the hip, urbanite otaku in all of us with patterns ranging from mainstream (Sailor Moon) to the obscure (Black Butler).
Fans of Japanese anime may be familiar with the popular animated film “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (Kaze No Tani No Naushika), created by successful anime director Hayao Miyazaki. Since its initial release in 1984 (gosh, has it really been 28 years?), the film has been much loved by the Japanese public, both the young and old alike. The anime, which touches on timeless topics such as non-violence and humanity’s struggle to coexist with nature, has become a Japanese classic, and even today, it holds strong appeal and is broadcast in Japan from time to time on prime-time television. Read More
All right, this video should delight and impress all of you Gundam fans out there. And even if you’re not a Gundam fan, I think you’ll still find the video pretty amazing! You have to admit that it takes a huge amount of dedication, perseverance and love for the anime, not to mention time, to actually do what was done in this video. The end result is a full-color drawing of the Gundam mobile suit machine from the well-known anime series, and while the picture itself is an excellent effort, what is truly impressive about it is the unconventional way it was drawn. Read More
Studio Ghibli says no to trailers and commercials for Hayao Miyazaki’s new anime movie
“Horse Feces Cafe” opens in Tokyo, looks stylish and delicious【Photos】
Pokémon dress shirt brand is shutting down – Last chance to order is less than a month away
Ghibli Museum releases beautiful new line of anime art T-shirts, available for online orders【Pics】
Japanese convenience store ice cream solves plastic-vs.-wooden-spoon dilemma with edible spoons
Pizza Hut Japan’s new Wiener Coffee Pizza tastes as crazy as it sounds
OxiClean officially sends detergent supply to Tokyo card shop struggling with sweaty, smelly otaku
Pikachu afternoon tea at Tokyo hotel gives us a taste of the Pokémon anime world
Japan’s first-ever capybara cat cafe opens in Tokyo
Foreigners in Japan sound off on the top four quirks of the Japanese job-hunting systemGhibli Museum releases beautiful new line of anime art T-shirts, available for online orders【Pics】Pokémon dress shirt brand is shutting down – Last chance to order is less than a month away
Huge price hike for Japan Rail Pass triggers huge drop in foreign travelers who’ll buy it【Survey】
Fans in Japan don’t sound happy with Netflix’s One Piece live-action changes to the Going Merry
Onitsuka Tiger now sells Shinkansen sneakers that cost more than a trip on the bullet train
Gigantic super-affordable Sailor Moon lifestyle line comes to Japan’s favorite 300 yen shop【Pics】
AI-generated swimsuit/lingerie model makes debut in Japan’s Weekly Playboy magazine【Photos】
SoraNews24 formally apologizes for recent misunderstanding with crows in nearby park
We try five menu recommendations from a clerk at CoCo Ichibanya and almost fall in love
How to have yumcha like a boss at a new dim sum restaurant perfect for groups or solo diners
Studio Ghibli now sells plush toys seen on Howl’s bed from Howl’s Moving CastleGhibli Museum releases beautiful new line of anime art T-shirts, available for online orders【Pics】Pokémon dress shirt brand is shutting down – Last chance to order is less than a month awayGigantic super-affordable Sailor Moon lifestyle line comes to Japan’s favorite 300 yen shop【Pics】Huge price hike for Japan Rail Pass triggers huge drop in foreign travelers who’ll buy it【Survey】
Uniqlo teams up with shojo manga/anime masters Clamp for new World of Clamp T-shirt line【Pics】
Japanese outdoor brand Foxfire teams up with Totoro for cool clothing and accessory line
New Ghibli T-shirts give you anime style with short sleeves from Spirited Away, Totoro, and more
World’s largest Kura Sushi revolving sushi restaurant opens, but not in Japan【Video】Fans in Japan don’t sound happy with Netflix’s One Piece live-action changes to the Going Merry
Manga artist wants Japanese teachers to feel, for two seconds, how dumb their girls’ dress code is
Sony’s wearable air conditioners selling like cold cakes in heat-stricken Japan
Travelling to Japan soon? Beware the “Three Small Hells” awaiting tourists upon arrival
Japan ends travel ban on individual tourists, waives visa requirements for certain countries
One Piece’s Luffy spent years of manga’s publication without saying a word to one of his nakama
Pokémon Center apologizes for writing model Nicole Fujita’s name as Nicole Fujita
Image-generating AI’s picture of “Final Fantasy VII Cloud” is so wrong, yet so right
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
New Studio Ghibli humidifiers breathe anime magic into your home
Message to foreigners at Japanese convenience store sparks controversy online
Pizza Hut Japan’s new Wiener Coffee Pizza tastes as crazy as it sounds
OxiClean officially sends detergent supply to Tokyo card shop struggling with sweaty, smelly otaku
Pikachu afternoon tea at Tokyo hotel gives us a taste of the Pokémon anime world
Japan’s first-ever capybara cat cafe opens in Tokyo
Foreigners in Japan sound off on the top four quirks of the Japanese job-hunting system
A visit to the best UFO catcher arcade in the universe!
Georgia Coffee releases a brand new banana-flavored version of its Hokkaido-only Milk Coffee
JR group offers all-you-can-ride passes for older couples in “Full Moon Couple Green Pass” deal
Japan’s best train pass, the Japan Rail Pass, finally being made available for purchase online
Here’s why you should visit Japan’s best winter-night hot spring town on a summer afternoon【Pics】
Street Fighter cafe now open in Tokyo for fans hyped and hungry for SF6 launch/lunches
Asia’s most notorious gangs: an ever-present power
As anime Your Name comes out on home video, did it manage to beat Frozen at the box office?
The top 10 manga/anime heroines from Shonen Sunday chosen by fans in general election【Survey】