Why do some Japanese people tend to rely on casual speech to communicate with foreigners? A foreign sociolinguist shares their surprisingly casual conversation at a pharmacy in Japan.
Why do some Japanese people tend to rely on casual speech to communicate with foreigners? A foreign sociolinguist shares their surprisingly casual conversation at a pharmacy in Japan.
Sailor Moon and Revolutionary Girl Utena anime director Kunihiko Ikuhara has taken legal action against a woman who claims he plagiarized her art. Given the recent incidents of attacks by disgruntled fans against creators, it appears that taking precautionary measures to prevent potential tragedies may be necessary.
Is Akihabara about to lose its charm? Some argue that the redevelopment of the ‘Electric Town’ will cause it to lose its uniqueness.
A supported employment business for disabled persons in Kyoto, Japan has started taking animation production orders, allowing its users to do animation work for popular TV animations. The news has caused mixed reactions among the public, including doubts of exploitation.
Does the overuse of themes in modern works spoil the original content that made them popular? A user discusses why their first time reading the popular Haruhi Suzumiya light novel series felt somewhat lackluster.
Is Japanese manga falling behind modern comic formats like webtoons? Comic book fans discuss the pros and cons between the two styles, prompted by the statement that Demon Slayer put Japanese manga behind the times.
Japanese director and animator Hideaki Anno has his face printed on bags, blankets, and men’s underpants without his permission on Amazon. Online users find the ordeal strange, yet comical as they wonder who the target market would be for such items.
In the English-speaking world, using periods at the end of your sentences while texting is more than likely to create the impression that you’re either elderly, angry or a grammar snob, which is why omitting it has become more or less the norm. It turns out, a similar phenomenon exists in Japanese texting culture as well.
Why do people in Japan have such a strict view of punctuality? Cultural differences between Japan and overseas countries can show us why being tardy in Japan is such a big deal.
Japanese web service developer Soudanbako released the beta version of their new social media platform called Dystopia on September 24 for iOS and Android. The app uses AI to censor offensive phrases and prevent cyberbullying.
Studio Ghibli will become a subsidiary of Nippon TV starting October 6. While the acquisition may be worrying to some, the studio already has a long history of working under another company.
A Japanese user’s recent trip to Ikebukuro’s popular anime store, Animate, unintentionally reveals the evolution of anime culture. Is anime now mainstream?
Ube City in Japan, the hometown of Hideaki Anno, director of the Neon Genesis Evangelion series, reported that it’s project to create a replica of the Lance of Longinus that appears in the anime is in its final stages.
Four years after the horrific arson incident that took place in a major studio of Kyoto Animation, the culprit is questioned about the case in court, but makes no attempt to apologize or show remorse.
A Japanese artist gets their illustration stolen by the U.S. stock image site, Big Stock Photos. The internet provider NURO Hikari unknowingly uses the art in their advertisement.
Some people in Japan are buying eggs based on the attractiveness of their manufacturers. Does a handsome face on the packaging of produce sell better than those without?
A Japanese city’s anime schoolgirl mascot, Haruka Aozora, has online users in a heated debate. Is the character sexualizing girls? Users are split on this controversial character.
Young male Pretty Cure fan bursts into tears after the male character is left out of the event. Online users wonder, how did the event forget it’s only main male protagonist.
1 in 4 children in Japan are spending over 60 dollars monthly on Youtubers and anime characters. 92% of Japanese youth have an Oshi, and they’re willing to spend their allowances to “push for” and support them.
A popular Japanese boys’ love social media platform gets hacked. Users are worried about their data as it’s revealed to be up for sell on a black hat hacking crime site.
Japanese users started noticing an alternate logo on the YouTube site and apps on August 16. The unexpected font of the new logo has caused a variety of reactions on Japanese X (formerly Twitter), with many agreeing that it is reminiscent of lame logo T-shirts worn by edgy teenagers back in the day.
A Japanese student’s Nazi cosplay at the Comiket has caused controversy on social media. Some have tried to defend the act by citing freedom of expression.
AUTOMATON WEST is operated by Active Gaming Media Inc.
Reproduction in any form or medium without acknowledgment of Active Gaming Media Inc. is prohibited.