American Gaijin
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Japan: Warts and All
I imagine that when most people think of Japan they think of the media that Japan produces, and it’s really incredible. There’s anime, manga, variety shows… and there is so much more for Japan to offer. It’s completely understandable that people from other countries might latch on to the otherness of Japanese culture and kind of…
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5 Reasons J-Pop sucks
I’ve posted previously about what I like about J-Pop, but I don’t like everything about it! As with everything, it has its good sides and bad sides. Here, in my opinion, are the bad sides. The Music Can Be Uninteresting I’ve posted previously about how I think that J-Pop is far more interesting than western…
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Why J-Pop?
I was actually trained as a classical pianist. Yes, it’s true. I went to college and everything. I learned how to either play or appreciate much of the repertoire – in point of fact, if I put my mind to it, there are piano concertos that are not out of my reach. I am very,…
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Am I Otaku?
I’ll be honest. I dont identify as otaku and I dont want to be otaku. But last night I sent a bunch of funny links to my friend from AKBingo, explained to him who Takahashi Minami and Shinoda Mariko are, and then gave him the backstory on how Shinoda-san became an idol. Then I was…
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When Reality Attacks
I have always found idol culture in Japan interesting, but partly because I sought to understand it. I found this video which helped a little. These are several members of AKB48 who were in a contest with a bunch of Korean idols, and found themselves so lacking in comparison it seemed to completely wreck them.…
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Ohori Meshibe
In my seeking to understand Japanese culture, I found a YouTube video, and found it very interesting. Ohori Meshibe (also known as Ohori Megumi, but that was her name for this recording) was a 25 year old AKB48 member who was given an opportunity, but with a catch: we’ll give you a solo debut, but…
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オタク… 何？
One of the most fascinating things about Japanese culture, I think, is the otaku. I’m not one by any means, and I don’t at all understand them, but I find them fascinating. I’m not sure in what way – I think it’s at least in a “what the heck makes them tick” sort of way. I…