American Gaijin
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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…
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Japanese Food and Stores in Austin, Part 4
Today I decided to “pop” into Anime Pop, a small store dedicated to Anime on Airport Rd. just north of Koenig. When you walk in, there are two aisles full of anime stuff. Figures, magazines, books, pins, plushes, the works. If you are interested at all in anime, this is the place for you in…
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Wotagei
If you ever see an idol concert, don’t only pay attention to the performers – if you do, you’ll be missing out on what is perhaps the most unique aspect of Japanese concerts. That is wotagei. It seems that wota, or people who are devoted fans of a particular idol group, coordinate very advanced dances…