Japan Earthquake Update and Relief Suggestions [EDIT 1]

As I'm sure most of our readers have heard already, on Friday, March 11 a powerful earthquake (8.9 on the Richter Scale) struck just 80 miles east of Sendai, on the central Honshu island of Japan. In addition to shaking up buildings throughout Japan and causing widespread death and injuries, the quake also sent a massive tsunami thundering across the Pacific Ocean, which hit the northern coast of Honshu at speeds comparable to a commercial jet. The city of Sendai was hit with the brunt of the wave, but it also swept through various cities and towns in the north of Japan, resulting in the utter decimation of many towns and deaths numbering in the hundreds.

Additionally, a nuclear power plant at Fukushima (a city approximately 50 miles southwest of Sendai) was severely damaged by the earthquake, resulting in a breakdown of its safety system and a potential for dangerous nuclear fallout. Citizens have been evacuated from the immediate area and officials are hard at work on containing and cooling the reactors, but there is still a significant risk.

Despite all the bad news, it would seem that Japan's strict building codes and mandatory earthquake/tsunami training has been an incredible boon in ensuring the safety of their citizenry. While the death toll is certainly horrific at the moment, it would undoubtedly have been at unthinkable levels had Japan not been as prepared as it was. On that note, The New York Times is running an eye-opening story on Japan's anti-earthquake measures, which is a must-read for anyone interested in the implications of this disaster.

Plus, charitable organizations around the world have quickly mobilized to provide relief to the people in Japan suffering due to this unforeseen disaster. Most notably, the American Red Cross has been heavily promoting their SMS service, which allows you to easily donate $10 to Japanese earthquake relief by texting "REDCROSS" to 90999. (The organization also has a donation page on their site, where they can take larger donations by credit card or other payment methods.)

For more information on ways to help the Japanese people affected by the earthquake, visit the website Causes Exchange, which has a very helpful list of charities that are accepting donations toward the cause. (Big thanks go out to Anime Diet for providing the list, and for their swift coverage of the disaster.)

Meanwhile, Anime News Network is maintaining a massive list of anime/manga industry members who have checked in to confirm that they are OK in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami. Notable names so far include Mamoru Hosoda, Kenji Kamiyama, Tite Kubo, and Hideo Kojima.

Longtime anime convention personality Walter Amos has confirmed via a Facebook post that "Noboru Ishiguro (Space Battleship Yamato, Macross), Artland Studios, and all its staff are OK." Artland staffer Yuko Suguro sent Mr. Amos the following message today:

Thank you for checking out [sic] on us! Artland is fine and so is Mr. Ishiguro. There were [sic] no damage in the building, and no one got hurt. We are working regularly from today, but everybody is a bit nervous because of the continuous after shake [sic]. I think everything will be back to normal by Monday.

If you have any news or stories about the earthquake, or if you have suggestions for ways that people can get involved in helping those affected by it, please leave us a comment on this post or send an e-mail to evanm [at] anigamers [dot] com. As new developments or suggestions come up, I will update this post with the new information.

EDIT 1: Vertical, Inc. Marketing Director Ed Chavez confirms in a Twitter post today that Mari Morimoto, Japanese/English translator for such manga as Dragon Ball and Naruto, is safe after leaving an evacuation center in Sendai with her mother.

[Sources: US Geological Survey, Business Week, Reuters, Anime News Network]

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Review: TokyoScope - The Japanese Cult Film Companion

Medium: Book of Essays/Reviews
Author: Patrick Macias (foreword by Kinji Fukasaku, afterword by Takashi Miike)
Illustrator: Happy Ujihashi
Publisher: Viz Media (Cadence Books imprint)
Version Reviewed: Retail paperback, library copy
Release Date: November 2001

There was a time when anime was a cult phenomenon in the United States. A time when the only way to find episodes of your favorite giant robot show was to seek out either the obscure fansubbing group releasing a low-quality tape of it or the production company that just happened to license a strange show and release it in your local video store. Anime has now moved further into the mainstream, but for fans of Japanese pop culture, the cartoons are only the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface of the water is the other 90% of that iceberg, and there lies world of Japanese cult films. Patrick Macias' TokyoScope seeks to bring that world to the surface in a way that few have ever done before.

The book reads like a very fannish, often tongue-in-cheek exploration of every single facet of Japanese cult films, from their production to their promotion and theatrical showings. Japanese history is referenced in detail right next to scans of real posters from '70s triple-feature showings and silly, manic illustrations from Japanese artist Happy Ujihashi. Macias pulls no punches, with short one-page reviews of films of all calibers, ranging from monster movies to yakuza (mobster) flicks to softcore pornos (a.k.a. "pink films"). At the end of each genre-themed chapter, there is a series of extra articles, including interviews, scanned promotional materials, and/or profiles of actors, directors and such.

Macias' knack for storytelling carries the reader through the different chapters, connecting all of them through an omnipresent description of the Shinjuku Showakan theater, a defunct (as of 2002) movie theater originally built in 1932 that specialized in cult films, and was for a time even funded by yazuka, who often visited to watch the latest films about their fictional gangster counterparts. (For more on the Showakan, read August Ragone's writeup of the theater's final show.)

TokyoScope is the kind of book that holds far more information than one person could possibly absorb in one reading, a fact that serves as a reminder of just how much of a wealth of knowledge Patrick Macias is when it comes to Japanese pop culture. However, despite the wide range of genres and films, the focus of the book often circles back to a few major names, including directors Kinju Fukasaku (Fight Without Honor Or Humanity, Battle Royale), Ishiro Honda (Godzilla), and Takashi Miike (Dead Or Alive, Ichi The Killer) and actors Sonny Chiba, Bunta Sugawara, and Tetsuro Tamba. While all of the names might not sink in, even a quick first read of TokyoScope is a fantastic start for any new fan looking to get into the dark and dirty world of Japanese exploitation cinema. It might not add much for longtime fans of the films, but it certainly offers some insight into movies that they might have overlooked.

The book itself is a good size, with large pages and a light weight that makes it perfect for carrying around on the train or bus. Unfortunately it is published in black and white, which significantly ruins the value of having so many wonderful pictures of Japanese films both new and old.

We've now reached a point where anime has become a very noticeable presence in Western culture, so for many the light of animation has eclipsed Japanese live action cinema. In reality, however, there has never been a better time to seek out these films. As fans of Japanese culture seek out more entertainment to sate their apetite, they should reach out not only to the brightly lit halls of Akira Kurosawa, but also to the dimly lit Showakan theater, where the soft underbelly of Japanese cinema once lived. As an inviting gateway into this all-but-forgotten facet of Japanese cultural heritage, TokyoScope is unrivaled.

great.

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Japanese man marries dating sim character. No, really.

The phrase "If you like it so much, why don't you marry it?" has never been more terrifyingly applicable. Recently a Japanese man traveled to a Guam church where he was able to – somehow – marry Nene Anegasaki, who is not a pretty young girl who he met at a bar, but instead a pretty young cartoon character who he met in Nintendo DS dating sim game Love Plus.

The newlyweds held a reception today to show slides of their wedding and (dialogue-tree-filled) courtship, which you can now view on Japanese video site Nico Nico Douga (EDIT: You'll need to log in to watch it – thanks to Yumeka for the link). You can also promptly slam your head into a pillow and cry for the state of humanity.

A few years back, some Japanese guys tried to put together a petition to convince the Japanese government to allow them to marry cartoon characters. Luckily their weak petition fell through, but now it seems like the author of the online message (who claimed that he would marry Mikuru Asahina if given the chance) finally has a ray of hope in the dark void that is his life. He can find consolation in knowing that another otaku has found happiness with his own virtual girlfriend, as he sits in his cramped apartment, crying himself to sleep because he will never have a meaningful interaction with a fellow human being in his entire life. (Some folks in the comments section of the Tiny Cartridge post might strongly disagree as they hug their body pillows and complain about the "tyranny of women")

The best part of the whole thing is that this is a character who thousands of other otaku have probably fallen in love with. Now that one guy has married her, is she off-limits to everybody else? Oooh, brutal! Maybe you guys will have to start widening your horizons a bit. Think outside the box if you know what I mean.

[via Tiny Cartridge]

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Fans to celebrate Macross launch in Akihabara this February

Some very dedicated Japanese fans are preparing to celebrate one of the most important events in world history, an event that changed the course of countless lives for hundreds of years to come – and it never really happened.

That's because in February of 2009, the giant spaceship "SDF-1 Macross" from Shoji Kawamori and Noboru Ishiguro's original Super Dimension Fortress Macross series launched after its ten-year rebuilding period. As announced on the official Macross Frontier website, there will be a completely non-fictional event held in Akihabara, Tokyo to celebrate the fictional launch of the fictional spaceship. The event, which has been given the superfluous title "Macross: The Super Dimension Space Launching Ceremony ~It's Really 2009 Already…It's 2/22 (Nyan Nyan Nyan), Deculture!~," will feature guests from all over the world of Macross – yes, real guests like animators and voice actors.

Hey Japan, in case I haven't reminded you in the past couple of months... you're totally crazy, okay? First you have a funeral for Raoh of Hokuto no Ken, and now you're celebrating the launch of a fictional spaceship? You're crazy... but we love ya even more for it, kid!

[via Anime News Network]

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Geneon Entertainment joins Universal Pictures International

According to a press release from Japanese anime company Geneon's parent company, Dentsu, the latter will be selling a majority ownership of the former to Universal Pictures International, effectively making Geneon (yes, including the American division) a part of Universal, one of the largest studios in the United States. At the end of November, Geneon Entertainment will join Universal Japan, where it will most likely continue to distribute Universal's films in Japan.

What does this mean for anime fans here in the U.S.A.? Well, I would think that Geneon's status in the American market probably won't have a chance to regain its former glory. Their anime distribution department in America has ceased operations, so a huge Geneon comeback is quite unlikely.

However, since the dead American wing of Geneon is owned by proxy by Universal Pictures here in America, this merge could have a positive effect going into the future. Think of the fact that FUNimation is owned by large, profitable company Navarre. If Geneon can begin to distribute anime in America again (even if only in small quantities), Universal can surely keep it going throughout good times and bad, as Navarre has done for FUNimation.

Here's hoping, Geneon!

[via a geek by any other name]

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Japan Society to teach you Japanese at NYAF

I think it's clear that there are a lot of anime fans who want to learn Japanese. But if that Psychology-English double major just didn't send you down the anime-centric career you were looking for, the Japan Society has got the event for you. The non-profit Japan Society, which is dedicated to connecting Japanese and American cultures, will be holding five beginner's Japanese language classes at the New York Anime Festival, from 1:15 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 28.

The classes will be taught by a professional instructor from the Society's Toyota Language Center, and there will also be a preview for their upcoming 2009 exhibit, "KRAZY! The Delirious World of Anime + Comics + Video Games." I'm a student of Japanese myself, so I'll make sure to stop at the lessons and give my impressions when I head to NYAF this September.

[via MediumAtLarge]

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7 dead, 17 wounded in Akihabara attack

Shoppers in Akihabara, Japan's otaku mecca, were shocked on Sunday afternoon when a man crashed a truck into a crowd of people, injuring up to six people. He proceeded to leave the car and stab innocent bystanders with a knife, resulting in at least 17 wounded victims and 7 deaths.

Tomohiro Katō, a 25-year-old Japanese man, was soon arrested and admitted his guilt. He allegedly posted a message on an anonymous mobile phone bulletin board seven hours before the incident, titled "I Will Kill People in Akihabara" and reading, "I will come barging in with a vehicle, and if I can't use the vehicle, I will use a knife. Farewell, everyone." Sources say that his only reason for the attack was that he was "tired of life."

According to 47 News, Katsuhiko Nakamura (male, 74 years old), Kazunori Fujino (male, 19), Kasuhiro Koiwa (male, 47), Naoki Miyamoto (male, 31), Takahiro Kawaguchi (male, 19), Mai Mutō (female, 21), and Mitsuru Matsui (male, 33) are confirmed dead.

This is really some stunning stuff. Beyond the sheer madness of a man killing seven people because he was "tired of life," this event will surely make a major dent in Akihabara's image. Just as Japan's iconic otaku shopping center was reeling from police crackdowns on things like pop idols and cosplayers, this man has driven his truck straight through a carefully held-up image of decency and safety. Now American tourists will have to remember that Akihabara isn't just some magical land of otaku dreams, but a place just as flawed and imperfect as any other.

As Patrick Macias nicely put it, "This guy just killed Akihabara the way Charles Manson killed the sixties. And we're all under arrest now..."

[via Anime News Network and Patrick Macias]

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Japanese Anime Creators Organize First Union

As of October 13, over 500 anime directors, animators, artists, and other workers have officially established the first ever Japanese union for animators, the Japan Animator's Creation Association, also known as JAniCA. There were various prominent creators in attendance at the recent press conference held by the organization. Toyoo Ashida (director of Vampire Hunter D, the first movie and second TV series of Fist of the North Star) is the president of the union, and Satoshi Kon (director of Paranoia Agent and Millenium Actress), animation directors Moriyasu Taniguchi (Shaman King) and Akihiro Kanayama (Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam), Yasuki Hamano (a professor at Tokyo University), and editor Nobuyuki Takahashi (Ringu, Juon: The Grudge) all spoke to the press during the conference.

According to JAniCA, a storyboard works for an average of 3,360,000 yen (US$28,800) a year, without vacation, and a key animator works for 2,160,000 yen (US$18,400) a year, with no vacation. As most of you have figured out, this organization plans to work for the improvement of the working conditions for the men and women who create all that wonderful anime you all love to watch.
[via Anime News Network]

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Evangelion Takes #1 in Japanese Box Office

Rebuild of Evangelion, Gainax's newest remake of their cash cow hugely popular Neon Genesis Evangelion anime, has reached the top of the Japanese box office in its opening weekend. The film, which only opened in 84 theatres nationwide, grossed a total of 280 million yen ($2.4 million) from 236,158 people. It is one of the rare Japanese films to be first in the box office after releasing in less than 100 theatres.

The only other anime in the top 10 is Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl: Dialga vs. Palkia vs. Darkrai at #9. This was a really great weekend for Eva, and it's easily apparent that the series is still immensely popular in Japan. Ani-Gamers will have a full review when the film comes stateside.
[via Anime News Network]

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