Animejin 3
Issue 3, March 1994
All articles contained in this document are copyright their respective authors. Permission is granted to reproduce any articles herein for non-profit purposes only, provided that the articles remain intact, the authors are correctly credited, and TWO copies of the relevent publication are received by Animejin.
This document contains the text portions only of Animejin 3. For a complete printed copy of any issue, send 1 pound (UK) or US$3.00 cash (everywhere else) for each copy to Animejin, stating your name and address and which issue(s) you require.
All comments, suggestions and submissions will be gratefully received.
Address all correspondence to:
Animejin,
65 The High,
Streatham High Road,
London
SW16 1EY
UK
or
Jchan@swallow.demon.co.uk
- Jonathan Weeks (editor)
Contents
- News: If it's happening, it's here
- Manga!: Jim McLennan gives his verdict on the BBC documentary
- Reviews: All the latest releases, including some manga this time
- An Animated Trip to Tokyo: Geoff Cowie on his trip to the land of cute
- Giant Robo: A giant robot show for fans who hate giant robots reviewed by Richard Steele
- Japanese Culture: Steve Whitcher analyses what makes the Japanese tick
[1] NEWS
MORE DELAYS AT MANGA
Due to reasons unknown (but which its pretty easy to hazard a guess at), the BBFC have found themselves with an 8-week backlog, causing severe delays to all upcoming video releases. Manga Video's current release schedule now looks like this:
March: The Professional:Golgo 13, Rumic World:Laughing Target
April: The Guyver 1, Battle Angel, Dangio 1
May (tentative): The Guyver 2, Rumic World:Maris the Supergal, The Wind's Name is Amnesia
See this issues reviews for more on Golgo 13 and Laughing Target. For information on Battle Angel, check Anime UK 12, which has a feature on it (they give the release date as March, which is incorrect). Supergal is a science fiction comedy, quite different to the previous Rumic World OAVs.
The Wind's Name is Amnesia is based on a novel by Kikuchi Hideyuki, who also created Wicked City and Vampire Hunter D. This may be best described as a "conceptual piece of science fiction". It's an interesting twist on the post-holocaust genre because of the mechanism that causes the "holocaust".
NUKU-NUKU RELEASE FINALISED
Cat Girl Nuku-Nuku now has a release date of March 21st and will be priced at #12.99. All 3 episodes of the first series will be combined on the one tape, dubbed into English with an all new English theme song. Purists need not be alarmed, however, as the original Japanese theme will be included on the end of the tape as a bonus. In a first for the UK, the tapes will feature a reversible sleeve, with the English cover on one side, and the original Japanese on the back. A T-shirt and poster to accompany the release are also being produced. Crusader have confirmed that this will definitely be followed later in the year by Nuku-Nuku 2. The success of Nuku-Nuku will determine whether they will go on to release any other titles, the possible identity of which is yet to be determined.
UK HERO?
L.A. Hero, the U.S. subsidiary of Hero Studios in Japan, has signed an exclusive deal with Kiseki films for the U.K. release of their productions. No details of which titles will be involved has been released yet.
The release of Urotsukidoji 3 : Return of the Overfiend has been delayed again, due to the BBFC's refusal to grant a license for it's release uncut (gee, what a surprise!) April now looks like the most likely month for the release.
Other titles due from Kiseki are Black Magic M-66, Adventure Kid and Gigolo.
ANIME PROJECTS ON THE MOVE
The inhabitants of Bangor are soon to be blessed with their very own anime shop, as Anime Projects are moving their entire operation to set up a shop in the town. The shop (cunningly named 'Anime Projects') will be at 19 The High Street, and will stock all manner of anime goodies.
The latest AP release, Urusei Yatsura Movie 1, 'Only You' is now available. Movie 3, 'Remember My Love' will follow at the end of February. Further Movies, TV and OAV volumes will be released if these prove a success.
AP are also releasing a PAL version of the English dubbed Riding bean at the end of April.
McCARTHY LAUNCHES NEW UK MANGA TITLE
Helen McCarthy is turning her editorial talents to comics publishing with the launch of 'Mangacomics' in April. Mangacomics will feature a mixture of translated manga and strips by British artists.
NEW MIYAZAKI ON THE HORIZON
The legendary Studio Ghibli has announced the next releases from its two top names:
'Heisei Tanuki Kassen Ponpoko' is the new film by Isao Takahata. A village of tanuki is threatened by land developers, and the tanuki try everything they can to save their village. The tanuki can shapeshift into human form, but some are better at acting human than others. This is a departure from Takahata, whose previous two films were "reality-based". The film opens in Summer of 1994.
'Mononoke Hime' is the new film by Hayao Miyazaki, scheduled for 1995. A young girl's father has been possessed by a spirit, and she searches for a cure with the help of other spirits
PIONEER GIVES UK GO AHEAD
Pioneer have confirmed that they are now in the process of planning the release of their anime catalogue in Europe. Despite reports to the contrary elsewhere, no decision has yet been made as to which titles will be released or who will be distributing them.
Tenchi Muyo does seem to be the best bet, however, as it is the only series for which the English dubbing has been already completed. Episodes one and two (of six) are now available in the US on laserdisc only at $34.95 EACH. This means the whole series will cost over $200 for only 3 hours! Definitely worth waiting for the UK version, which will hopefully be more reasonable. Despite what some fans have assumed, the UK releases will be on VHS only, and not laserdisc.
Dateline: Tokyo, Jan 7, 1994.
Year end results are coming in from Japanese business. Due to the slow economy, many industries are reporting reduced profits or outright losses for the year 1993. Export-based businesses such as automobile production and consumer electronics seem to be particularly hard hit. In the toys and related goods industries, all manufacturers reported losses.
Except one. Bandai reported profits for the year.
Bandai attributes the sales gains to their "Sailor Moon" merchandise...
PROJECT A-KO CONTINUES
March sees the long awaited release of Project A-Ko 2 by U.S. Manga Corps. The 70 minute OAV will be subtitled in English and cost you $29.95. A boxed set containing parts 1 and 2 will also be available for $49.95. Parts 3 and 4 are also due to be released.
1993 ANIME STATISTICS
Newtype Readers' Top 15 Anime for 1993 (Source : Newtype Animationary 1994 Edition)
- Sailor Moon & Sailor Moon R
- Mobile Suit V Gundam
- Ah my goddess
- Irresponsible Captain Tylor
- Yuu Yuu Hakusho
- Mobile Police Patlabor & Patlabor 2
- The Five Stars Stories
- Universe Rider Tekkaman Blade
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083
- Silent Moebius
- New Century GPX Cyber Formula
- Tenchi Muyou! Ryououki
- Bastard!!
- Legend of the Galactic Heroes
- Dragon Ball Z
Top 20 grossing films in Japan for 1993
No. Movie Yen (billions)
1. Jurassic Park 9.00
2. Bodyguard 4.10
3. Home Alone 2 2.50
3. REX Story of Dinosaur 2.50
5. Godzilla VS Mothra 2.25
6. Alien 3 2.10
7. Water Traveller Warrior Kids 2.00
8. Doraemon Nobita and Buriki Labyrinth 1.65
9. Condition of Happiness 1.50
9. Faraway Sunset 1.50
11. Dragon Ball Z Burn! 1.40
12. Dragon Ball Z Milky Way 1.30
12. Last Action Hero 1.30
14. Crayon Shin-chan Action Kamen 1.25
15. Forever Young 1.20
16. The Firm 1.00
17. Lethal Weapon 3 0.92
18 Pa.Te.O 0.85
19. Crime of Heaven 0.80
19. Our Melody of Love 0.80Top 20 anime TV shows by audience rating in Japan 1993 (Source : Newtype's Animationary 1994 Edition)
No: Title of Anime: Percentage:
1. Sazaesan 23.44
2. Chibi Maruko-chan 21.63
3. Dragon Ball Z 20.68
4. Crayon Shin-chan 20.40
5. Yawara! 18.43
6. Kiteretsu Encyclopedia 17.86
7. Tsuyoshi Please be Strong 17.29
8. Yuu Yuu Hakusho 16.72
9. Doraemon 16.23
10. Little Angel on Big Plain Bush Baby 14.52
11. Little Women Nan & Jo 14.21
12. GS Mikami 13.21
13. Marudedameo 12.16
14. Kobochan 11.88
15. Papuwakun 11.84
16. Sailor Moon & Sailor Moon R 11.10
17. Himechan's ribbon 11.02
18. Manga Japanese Old Stories 10.85
19. Yaiba 10.82
20. Obocchamakun 10.35SWEET DREAMS IN NEO-TOKYO
Animeigo have announced their most unusual piece of Bubblegum Crisis merchandising yet - the Bubblegum Crisis "Night Night Knight Sabers" Pillowcase! This custom-made satin pillowcase has all four Knight Sabers on it, (un)dressed for a night of restful slumber. Available in both pink and blue at $24.95 each.
Other Animeigo stuff:
The English dubbed version of Riding Bean is to be released on 30/3/94 at a retail price of $19.95. The dubbing is being performed by Southwynde Studios of Wilmington, North Carolina, who are in addition remixing and digitally remastering the music and effects tracks of the film.
For September, they have announced the release of an English dubbed version of Bubblegum Crisis. This will also retail at $19.95 per episode.
The five episodes of 'Oh! My Goddess' are to be released on tape in two stages: the first three episodes on 29/6/94, and the final two on 31/8/94. Each episode is priced at only $19.95. The first four episodes are approximately 25-30 minutes long, and the final one (still in production in Japan) will be approximately 40 minutes in length. At the same time as the tape release, AnimEigo will release 'Oh! My Goddess' on two laserdiscs, each priced at $39.95. The first, available 29/6/94, contains the first 3 episodes, and the second, available 31/8/94, contains the final two.
ICZER ONE IN ENGLISH
Iczer One #1 (Warrior of Gold) is a translated manga by Toshihiro Hirano, and will run for five issues at $2.95 each from Antarctic Press. Originally published in Japan by Kubo Shoten.
A.D. VISION GO LASER
A.D. Vision have relented to fan pressure and are releasing all their titles on laserdisc. Devil Hunter Yohko will be first, in March. The disk will be $34.95 in CAV format. Expect the SOL BIANCA LD in May, and BATTLE ANGEL in July. The BATTLE ANGEL LD will also be CAV.
The Burn-up "director's cut" is not now going ahead. The film stock for the additional footage turn out to be in too poor a condition to use. The art portfolio promised will still be included.
MANGA Vs YAKUZA
The following review is reprinted from the Dec. 11, 1993, Japan Times without permission.
"Execs snap up comic book on dealing with gangsters.
"A comic book [manga] explaining methods for fighting gangsters under the Antigang Law has found popularity among business executives, police said Friday [Dec. 10] The National Police Agency, which prepared the book entitled "The Morning of Hope -- The Ultimate Comic Book on the Antigang Law", said it expects people to learn how to deal properly with crime syndicates.
"The 255-page book, which hit the market in September, follows a similar version published in August and contains nine stories that describe illegal schemes gangsters often use to entrap citizens.
"The book tells people to protect themselves by improving their knowledge of the law, and provides specifics on what laws can be applied to each scheme, police said.
"One example depicted is about an underworld-backs speculator who pressures a firm to buy his company's stocks at unreasonable high prices.
"The Antigang Law, which went into effect in March 1992, empowers authorities to designate any group as a criminal gang if a certain number of its members have criminal records.
"It also permits authorities to clamp down on 11 criminal acts that do not directly involve violence, such as coercion, loan sharking, and intervening in civil suits.
"The law also mandates a crackdown on illicit gambling activities and nonviolent offences such as blackmail.
Note: The article was written by a Japan Times staff writer, name not given. The title of the book is actually in Japanese, and the writer is the one who chose to translate 'manga' into 'comic book.'
ANIMEDAY 4 PACKS THEM IN
Last year, Animeday 3 had to turn 200 people away at the door. This year places have been selling faster than ever, so get those registrations in quick if you want to be sure of attending. The Rutland Hotel, where the convention is taking place is already fully booked for the whole weekend.
This year there will be separate dealers rooms for trade and fan dealers, a costume parade, auction, panels, karaoke, and most importantly, a licensed bar. Oh, and they'll be showing some anime, apparently.
LIVE FROM HELL CITY
Newtype reviews courtesy of Peter Evans
FEBRUARY
Lots of GS Mikami to drool at, lots of V Gundam to droll at.
COMING SOON!! AD 2503 New Space Cruiser Yamato. At last there is a decent picture of the new ship. It does have the funny prow of the old one, but it oozes cool (I'm a Syd Mead fan). The bridge looks like that thing in Project A-ko, Captain at the back, officers on either side to the front, big bobbly thing for'ad. It says New movie and new OAV series.
BIG FIGHT! Talks to Nobuteru Yuki, Shoji Kawamori & Junichi Satou. The one in the middle is working on the "MACROSS PLUS" OAV.
Voice 94. Lovely photos of: Kotono Mitsuishi, Megumi Hayashibara (She looks about 12!), Aya Hisakawa (Can she actually smile?) and Hekiru Shiina.
Tenchimuyo!! Ryo-oh-ki Sound File. Wai-Wai -- Ryoko in a cat-suit. All your favourite songs: Magical Princess Pretty Sami, Ojosama to oyobi, etc. (too many kanji for me!) 3000Y, Jan 25th, PIVS 1313, PILA 1241 CAV, 30m.
- Dirty Pair Flash 1 - Jan 21
- Ranma ´ OAV 3 - Feb 18
- Please Save My Earth 2 - Feb 25
Hmm, lots of TV. Pity Might Gaine is not as good as the illustrations - too many robots.
- Yu Yu Hakusho tops 65 episodes and still going,
- Sailor Moon R now up to 80+,
- Sazae-San up to 1256 and still going.
Seven Seas of Tiko starts on 16th. Very Miyazaki style chara. Story of a girl and a killer whale called Nanami?? I remember Jacques Cousteau...
- Dragonball Z 200+,
- V Gundam 40+
Akazukin Cha-cha more cutes, must remember to record this!
Wai-Wai! Compiler OAV pictures, Kyonyu Hunter look out! Tokyo OAV Event! 2/6 - 300 seats only!
Newtype freebies "The Illustrations of Mamoru Nagano" V2 Gundam poster
Gatachaman fans: 105eps, 2 disk sets, 4 per month: 3/25: eps 1-32, 5/25: 33-64, 7/25: 65-88 (3 sets), 9/25: 89- (2.5 sets). Each set is 9800ù,, so that's a lot of money!
SONY COMICS AUDITION '94 - Grand Prix 1,000,000 yen, 1st 500,000 yen
- a) story 32-48 pages B&W
- b) 4 comb 8-16 pages B&W (e.g. OL Shinkaron)
- c) full colour 8-16 pages
The official Art of "Tico and Nanami" (I must have translated it wrong earlier!) Very like Miyazaki, same people as Nan & Jo - Sensei "Morikawa ??(ko-shi)"
Comic Now is with the guy that did Video Girl Ai + DNA - Katsura Masakazu; He says that his favourite character is Wingman.
Next Month : FSS, VGundam, etc.
Previews of some upcoming anime, DPF1, FQ2 (fortune quest!) wataru, ???, BBFISH (sex!)
New kit review of some AMG cutes (Belldandy, Urd, Skuld, Belldandy in swimsuit). I wish I was any good at kits, they look real cute, and only 4800Y 1/8th).
Artist review is Kenichi Sonoda, I've seen some of those pictures at Artmic.
- Hmm, Z Gundam box set, 42,230Y for 7 disks 650m
- Lance (Alice Soft porn RPG) 12000Y set of 2 disks,
MARCH
22cm of snow, a Dirty Pair Flash event and a stinking headache bring you just a few highlights from Newtype 3:
- Idol Defense Force Hummingbird '94 Summer - 6/1 video on sale
- Mamono Hunter Yohko 5 - 7/1 on sale
Lots of Five Star Stories, V Gundam, Sailor Moon and Slamdunk (basketball).
- New Dominion 3 - 3/22 'Limit the Tube Wars'
- Giant Robo side-story 'Gin-Rei' - 2/21
- Tenchimuyo side-story 'Mihoshi' - 3/25 Pretty Sami event in April
- Ah My Goddess 5 - 40m 6600Y 5/17
- New Cyber Formula GPX Zero OAV series
NHK new anime 'Montana Jones' starts in the spring.
After Ah My Goddess - Taiho Shihauzo! (You're Under Arrest) 4 parts from June
- Irresponsible Captain Tyler - 2 new OAVs
- New Cutey Honey - 4/21 VT, 3/21 LD! cute cute cute!
The new Yamato is SO sexy! Well, as sexy as a 400M spaceship can be. It's designed by Syd Mead. BE WARNED - BES922/BELL671 are 'The Making of...' videos!!
[2] MANGA! - The Verdict
by Jim McLennan
It was with a mix of anticipation and dread that I sat down to watch 'Manga!', BBC2's documentary on Friday January 7th: the former, because it could be the first non-salacious acknowledgement by the mass media of anime, but the latter due to a distinctly unpromising preview in 'Time Out' and, well, going by the title, it sounded more like a puff piece for M*nga Video. Overall, however, expectations were not high...
...which made it a very pleasant surprise. Half an hour later, the program finished and Perran Road opinion was generally highly favourable. Given it was only a half an hour program, it had covered all the major bases, talked to a lot of interesting people including Byuichi Terasawa, Hayao Miyazaki and Katushiro Otomo, and almost entirely avoided the hysterical angle so often taken previously by the media.
From the fan viewpoint, there wasn't very much new to learn, though all scraps that drop from the mouths of the anime masters are eagerly awaited! [Terasawa's new computer-drawn comic looks VERY nice, doesn't it?] More fun was to be had playing spot-the-fan, especially during the footage shot at Cont-anime-ted (those with freeze frames can spot yours truly for about a quarter of a second, slouched down low in the second row of a panel audience). But it was nice to see them establish early on the difference between 'manga' and 'anime', and although the word 'tentacles' also made an early appearance, clips from 'Overfiend' were notable by their absence.
The fans they spoke too were mostly literate and seemed intelligent, with the exception of one drooling imbecile who said he liked the violence (The secret is to bang the rocks together, guys!). There were some omissions; most notably it would have been nice to see some more examples of the breadth of anime - it was almost all Manga or Miyazaki - but these are inevitable in a program of this length. One embarrassing gaff did appear, however, when they carefully displayed a copy of the original 'Akira' manga, and then proceeded to flick through it back to front!
Overall, however, it was very praiseworthy, and will hopefully have done a lot to defuse and discredit the more sensationalist angles - though going by the aforementioned 'Time Out' preview, there's still some way to go...
The Saturday night screening of `Akira' was also eagerly anticipated; the documentary had shown clips from it in no less than three different versions: pan-and-scanned, standard letterboxed, and letterboxed with subtitles beneath. Which version would the BBC show? And the answer was, luckily, the last - in many ways this was SUPERIOR to the video subtitled version, with it's ghostly white text. However, the introduction screwed up by describing it as 'manga' several times, and for no reason at all, the end credits were cut off after the first frame.
While it was a shame for the copybook to be blotted in such a pointless manner, I think the BBC deserve a pat on the back for the way in which the two programs were handled. Roll on the next anime weekend!
[3] REVIEWS
The Professional : Golgo 13
Manga Video 93 mins #12.99
The Professional: Golgo 13 is the same type of film as Wicked city, which is be coming the norm for Manga Video. It has all the standard ingredients assassins, sex and wealth. Golgo is the assassin and is surprisingly the good guy.
He is a sort of Robin Hood assassin who kills those who have killed the innocent. But, when Golgo kills Leonard Dawson's son he finds that he has most of the worlds security forces after him. Dawson is not only rich he is very powerful.
With the cream of the world's toughest assassins after Golgo, will Golgo 13 have a chance? Or will Golgo 13 add another chapter to his legend?
This Manga video release predictability has plenty of sex and gore. It lacks plot, but is worth a look. There is a twist in the tale, and it is quite refreshing to have a good guy assassin. But personally I would have cut some of the sex and gore, to give a more plausible story.
It is another dub by Streamline Pictures, and by streamline's standards it isn't too bad. Although I guess that it will not please everyone. My feeling is that because the majority of the action happens in America, the accents fit.
If you liked Wicked City you are going to love Golgo 13. But if your into "cute" its another one to borrow from a mate.
Golgo 13 was the second Manga Video releases to be given a cinematic release before the video. It was shown in selected cinemas back in December, and was originally supposed to be re-released on video in February. It has now been put back.
- Steve Whitcher
Urusei Yatsura - Only You
Anime Projects #12.99
First of the stylish and utterly hilarious Lum/Urusei Yatsura movies about 'annoying aliens'. Glorious send up of the worst SF clichÇs, complete with romantic entanglements and cute girls. A girl from planet El wants to marry Ataru, but Lum has other ideas. Kidnappings, space battles and love trysts ensue.
Buy this - I promise you won't regret it! If you call yourself an anime fan, and don't support this small Bristol- based independent distributor (64 Stanley Mead, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS12 0EG, P&P #1) by buying this video, then we'll send Lum's Guards to sort you out! This PAL transcription of the AnimEigo edition is exactly the sort of anime you've all been moaning that Manga Video don't provide. So no excuses - pester your video outlet, forge a Giro, order it!
- Geoff Cowie
Rumic World - Firetripper
Manga Video 49 mins #8.99 MANV1028
This is an intricate time-travel story from the manga by Rumiko Takahashi, which starts with forebodings of danger. After the dramatic credit sequences the 17 year old schoolgirl heroine, Suzuko, is seen looking after a little boy, Shu, who has just had an operation. With little warning, a massive gas explosion occurs and throws her back in time to a battlefield in medieval Japan. She is rescued from lecherous bandits by a young warrior, and brought back to his village where he lives with his adoptive father and young sister, Suzu.
Suzuko, no fainting cherry blossom she, soon has Shukumaru searching the battlefield for the missing boy. After more dramatic events the circle of time becomes complete...
This edition has an embarrassing "rubbish-for-the-kids" cassette cover and some rather comic voicing. The English licensees clearly didn't know what to do with the stylish Japanese original, but despite the funny voices on the English soundtrack it has plenty of drama and human interest - and it's cheap. But if money is no object you should seek out the American subtitled version or the Japanese laserdisc.
I have to say here that I own an original Japanese HONO TRIPPER and was dismayed and angered by what Manga Video had done to the original soundtrack, which not only has more appropriate character voices but a more subtle use of sound effects. I winced all the way through the dub version. The cover designs say it all; the Japanese has a large picture of a pensive Suzuko on the front.
As a footnote, the huge gas holders shown in the video do exist and are in the eastern Tokyo suburbs!
- Geoff Cowie
"Fire Tripper, a fascinating tale of time travel, terror and tragedy" says the press release from MEL - I'm not so sure. I must admit that I'm not a fan of Rumiko Takashi's work, but decided to sit down and watch Fire Tripper with an open mind.
The OAV touches all but briefly upon the dangers of time travel and it's accompanying paradoxes before losing itself in a superficial love story which I'm afraid to say just didn't do anything fro my concentration. As far as the technical side of things are concerned, the animation is up to a reasonable standard, however, the same cannot be said for the dub as MEL have once again surpassed themselves in being able to find some voice actors who are totally wrong for the characters they are playing.
Overall, I would only recommend Fire Tripper to fan's of Takashi's other work or to those wishing to build a complete collection of MEL releases.
- Simon Devey
Crying Freeman Part 4
Manga Video 49 mins #8.99 MANV1030
Crying Freeman Chapter 4 : "The Hostages" was for me a bit of a let down after Chapter 3.
The Crying Freeman saga continues in L.A's Chinatown. The Wong family have controlled Chinatown for the last 60 years. The Kidnappers Organisation (K.O) has kidnapped 3 members of the Wong family and want 3 million dollar ransom for their safe return.
The KO is a terrorist group of soldiers that are shunned by society. They are led by the goddess of children. Wong pays the ransom but doesn't get back his children, so he asks Freeman and the 108 dragons to help him get back his children. Unfortunately, the Wong children are the bait in a trap to catch Freeman.
Freeman soon realizes that the KO wants him, and decides to get caught. But, if Freeman is killed and the 108 Dragons fall prey to the K.O.,who will stop the K.O. dominating the world? Will Freeman survive to be in Chapter 5?
This video is a bit of a let down, it lacks plot, it doesn't have the same "feel" as the previous parts, the animation quality is very "static" at time, and I am sure that some of the sex scenes will have to be cut before this hits the street.
If you have bought the other 3 chapters you should probably buy this one. If you haven't bought any yet, I would buy part 3.
- Steve Whitcher
Doomed Megalopolis 4: The Final Challenge
Manga Video 39 mins #8.99 MANV1031
This is the final part of the Doomed Megalopolis series by Manga video. Set in Tokyo in 1925 it provides a fitting ending to the series. Kato the evil sorcerer is still trying to destroy Tokyo, and having lost the help of Masakado is trying another method.
Kato has gained control of the young psychic Yukari and her daughter Yukiko. Kato is trying to awaken the dragon of the heavens. Once awake and under Kato's control, the dragons breath will first knock the moon out of its "safe" orbit around the planet. First the moon will come close to the earth, and then it will be sling-shot out of the universe. With the moon gone the earth will be destroyed by earthquakes and floods.
The scientists are aware that the moon has drifted from its usual course and is getting closer to the earth. If only the priestess of mercy can kill Kato, how can he be stopped. Will they have to kill Yukari and Yukiko? Who exactly is Keito? and what role does Dragon ore have in all this? Will the scientists be able to stop it? Or will this be the final chapter in the history of the earth.
Doomed Megalopolis is this month much better than Crying Freeman. It has plot, is very well animated, well balanced and crammed with special effects. These series have been released in tandem bi-monthly for the past eight months.
The quality of these series has been a bit variable, and this has to be one of the main gripes I have with MEL's output at the moment. Still I think that it has been very brave of MEL to start releasing multi-part stories. Because someone has to buy all of the series, these have not (as Jonathan put it last issue) "Stand well on its own".
- Steve Whitcher
Maison Ikkoku
by Rumiko Takahashi. Viz Comics. 40pgs. Monthly. $2.95
Maison Ikkoku is another of those Love Triangle stories by Rumiko Takahashi. The story is about a poor student Yusaku Godai, who lives at a boarding house called Maison Ikkoku. His life is dramatically changed the day a new lady manager Kyoko Otonashi comes to Maison Ikkoku.
Godai soon finds himself in love with Kyoko, but in true Japanese style this isn't going to be easy. Godai hasn't got very much to impress his love Kyoko Otonashi, and he doesn't really know how to express his love.
Unfortunately he gets very drunk, and the screams at the top of his voice that he loves Kyoko. He now has to made a joke of his love to cover his embarrassment.
Godai's love life gets a lot worse when Shun Mitaka, becomes Kyoko's tennis coach, and starts dating her. Godai has even more problems as some young ladies have their own plans for his future.
The best way to describe It is a sort of cross between Urusei Yatsura and Ranma, with out the weirdness. It is another one of those long running series, and I hope that Viz continue to publish it. I personally think that it is the best Viz title at the moment, and I look forward to it arriving each month. An Anime version is also available and is just as good.
- Steve Whitcher
Caravan Kidd
by Johji Manabe. Dark Horse. Monthly. $2.50
Caravan Kidd is by Johji Manabe, and it shows. It is almost exactly like his Outlanders. This has put some people off this series as it isn't quite the same quality of Outlanders, but I really like it.
It follows the luck (or such that be the bad luck) of Mian and her two "pets" Wataru and Babo. Mian who is a fugitive android rescues Wataru (who is a human) and Babo (who is a entrepreneur blob!), claims them as her properties and fits them with collars and leads.
They make a strange group as the travel around the planet, causing chaos where-ever they go. Mian fighting, Babo making money and Wataru falling in love with Mian. But, they always seem to survive, but trouble is never far behind.
If you haven't come across Caravan Kidd before, then it is well worth a look at, its got a charm of its own. If you are a fan of Manabe its a must for your collection.
- Steve Whitcher
Pixy Junket
by Pure. Viz Comics. Monthly. $2.75
Pixy Junket follows a pixy called Pacifica and some of her friends as she tries to hide from Kalon - an evil doll that contains a man's spirit.
This title is quite well drawn, it has enough cuteness to make your brain hurt, enough anthropomorphic characters to fill a zoo, and a splattering of violence. Pixy Junket has all the right ingredients to be good Manga. Pure is a new creator to me, and when I first came across this title I wasn't too impressed, but having given it a second look, it really is good. If you like anthropomorphic characters this is a title for you, but if into normal manga then I don't think that this title can compete with the likes of Shirow and Manabe.
- Steve Whitcher
Bio-Booster Guyver
by Yoshiki Takaya. Viz Comics. Monthly. $2.75
Bio-Booster Guyver is a Manga Video type title, and indeed the people at MV are going to release the anime version of this manga. The life of a high school boy (Sho) is totally transferred the day he is out walking with a school chum.
He discovers a Guyver unit, which has been stolen from an experimental lab. Unfortunately the Owners have discovered their loss and are out looking to recover the unit. Sho and Tetsuro discover the soldiers looking for the unit, who try to kill them to keep them quiet. Fortunately for the boys, the Guyver unit attaches it self to Sho and he becomes The Guyver.
The guyver unit is the latest in genetic weaponry. It transforms a normal soldier into a huge armoured fighting machine.
This is a well drawn title, but again I don't think that it cam be compared to the more established titles. If you like genetic mutant style manga this is a title for your collection. A strange twist to this title is that it is set in a school. And with a girl that makes Sailor Moon look like an old crone, it's a very strange mix.
- Steve Whitcher
Usagi Yojimbo
by Stan Sakai. Mirage Publishing $2.50
Yes, I do know that this isn't Manga, (I don't work for the BBC or Manga Video y'know) but Stan Sakai is Japanese, and I thought that was close enough.
Usagi Yojimbo is one of the best US independent comics I have ever come across. Sakai was drawing for Fantagraphics a long time before Viz and Dark Horse were publishing Manga. He has a unique style which is wonderful, and great "cute" way of telling a story.
Usagi Yojimbo when translated into English becomes Rabbit Warrior, but this ain't no ordinary Killer Bunny. He travels around old Japan as a ronin (a masterless samurai) who fights injustice where ever he finds it. It has always been a good read and you are introduced to ancient Japanese traditions and folklore.
What is new, is since Mirage have started publishing it, it has been in colour. If you like cute anthropomorphic characters have a look, a more futuristic version is also published called Space Usagi. A animated version is in the process of being made. So it may be an investment title.
- Steve Whitcher
[4] An Animated Trip to Tokyo
by Geoff Cowie
The plan was hatched last year - a 2 week trip to Japan in which to buy anime, see a few tourist attractions and attend the 6th DAICON science fiction convention.
By July 1993 a flurry of action took place, and the four participants had paid for their tickets, ordered their currency and were ready to go. David and Denzil were the principal trip organizers. A week before the flight we were expecting the tickets. Two days before the flight we were still expecting the tickets... This is one drawback of flying with an airline that is not a member of the major ticket distributing group. The sole advantage of flying AEROFLOT (which, by the way is changing its name to RAI) is that the tickets cost just over half the BA fare.
On the flight Denzil discovered that Aeroflot mustard is VERY hot. On the final hour of the flight over Japan we had glimpses of very rugged mountains, some with snow, and a brief sight of Tokyo and a distant volcanic cone.
At Narita airport we were met by Denzil's Japanese friend Minoe-san. This seemed to be a surprise to Denzil too, but a very pleasant one, as Minoe-san drove us to our connecting railway station in Tokyo. Minoe-san also treated us to coffee and cakes, after we declined a lunch that would have cost our host about #50 a head.
We had arranged to use an apartment in the suburbs of Tokyo for two weeks. There was the slight problem of the missing map: to find an address in Tokyo without directions is almost impossible. Fortunately Denzil had memorised most of the directions before he lost the map.
While we were trying to locate the apartment key, Darren fainted, proving that wearing a shirt and heavy leather jacket and hat in tropical heat is Not A Good Idea. Next day, Denzil lost the key to the apartment. This occasioned a visit to Peter Evans, (for it was he, the Anime UK correspondent, who had allowed us to use the apartment he had just vacated while moving to a rented house). In fact we made several evening visits to Peter's house, meeting also his Japanese companion, and he proved a most genial and entertaining host. Peter played for us some anime CD music, and some anime, including WEATHERING CONTINENT, and David's DRAGON HALF, an OVA comedy series which can only be described as severely deformed!
During several days in Tokyo we made forays to the shops, visiting shops specialising in manga or anime, or models. We bought several thousand pounds worth of laserdiscs, that's enough laserdiscs to increase the number of anime LDs in the UK by several percentage points! We also bought some equally expensive tapes, and a selection of manga not readily available from the UK.
Our visit coincided with a Japanese holiday period, when many Japanese take a few days leave to extend national holidays into a whole week off work.
On the first Sunday and Monday of our visit we (except Darren) attended COMIKE (Comic Market), which was held in an exhibition area of six or so large halls in the Tokyo dock area. COMIKE is devoted to dojinshi, fan manga produced, mainly, by Japanese senior high school students.
The first day was shojo (girls) day, when all the vendors and attendees, apart from a proportion of boyfriends and brothers, were girls. On the second, shonen day the vendors and attendees were mixed, about 50% boys and 50% girls.
We three were almost the only gaijin to attend; the remainder being Americans from, I think, ANIMATE magazine who had a table in the computer hall on Boys' Day.
Getting in was arranged with typical Japanese efficiency (?) We had to tramp about a mile around the perimeter to reach a car park where we waited an hour and a half, marshalled into neat lines four abreast, for our turn to march in as a thousand-strong crocodile. The scale of this event was quite astonishing; there were 4500 tables, each with 2 dealers per table, four or more different manga titles per table. Some of the manga had full colour artwork covers and art that was, at any rate, as good as that in the throwaway weeklies. We were told that attendance for the two days was 250,000. So if we claim to have been surrounded by 100,000 cute Japanese girls, we are NOT exaggerating!! There was a fleet of lorries waiting to box up and ship home the piles of manga that fans had bought. We kid you not.
Most of our purchases were made on the second day, as the shojo manga mostly had excessively pretty boys on the covers, frequently in pairs! There was a costume photocall event, with a small hall devoted to changing rooms. So we were able to take some photos of girls posing in costume in a big hall or on the roadway outside.
The manga on sale paid homage to a number of more or less well known manga series, and computer games, e.g. RECORD OF LODOSS WAR and FINAL FANTASY IV, but SAILOR MOON was by far the most popular, with half a hall devoted to that alone. There was also a section devoted to PC game software and image software, all incompatible, alas, with UK PCs. Geoff even managed to acquire two tapes of unique fan anime. Sorry if this upsets anyone, but there was almost no sign of any interest in mecha or giant robots.
Dave coined a word for dealing with this sort of event: "Gibber".
In travelling around Tokyo we were struck by the sheer size of the place, and its disorganised appearance, with old shacks nestling around smart new medium rise buildings with no sign of planning. Many of the streets are disfigured by a tangle of overhead power cables, some of them drooping low enough over footbridges to be touched.
The trains are crowded, though one is usually able to get on without being crushed, and new lines are under construction. It does look in many ways like an anime backdrop, with house designs, shopping streets, office blocks, house sized outdoor TV screens etc looking familiar. We even saw the My City store (CITY HUNTER), and three giant spherical gasholders in the middle of a suburb (FIRETRIPPER). Gibber.
Don't bother with the Tokyo Tower unless somebody else is paying. There are equally tall skyscrapers (45 floors) in Shinjuku with observation decks which are free. You won't see Mount Fuji though, as the air is usually too hazy.
The district around Shinjuku station includes a warren of small streets including some of the best camera shops. Akhiabara has the electronics shops, a whole district of them. Most of the shops are on several floors, or there are shops with entrances several floors up. Altogether it makes Tottenham Court Road look like a market stall. The major stations are huge, with dozens of tracks on different levels and a warren of passages extending under the surrounding streets. Fortunately they are signed in English.
Culture: we didn't waste much time on that tourist stuff. Actually we did spend a morning looking round and photographing the NIHON MINKA-EN which was fortuitously within walking distance of our apartment. This is a permanent museum of old wooden farmhouses brought from all over Japan, and is highly recommended. For the steam buffs, there's a big steam loco standing on a bit of rail in the park nearby.
Among the conventional displays in the Minka-En's exhibition rooms we found an animated 3-D hologram of life in a period farmhouse.
The parks in cental Tokyo are very pleasant, and getting lost in one is almost like being in the country. At Ueno Park there are several museums including the TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM which is said to be the one most worth visiting. Ueno Park seems to be where homeless un-persons live rough and also hosts a flea market where young gaijin sell knickknacks to tourists. During our stay the park was raided by police looking for foreigners whose visas were not in order.
In Osaka we visited Osaka Castle, which retains the 17th century moats and defences, and the adjoining museum. The castle looks impressive but is partly a 1930's reconstruction in concrete.
Shops were fun to explore; in Ginza there's a doll shop where you can spend up to 1,200,000 yen on a lovely traditional Japanese doll. Department stores have everything, and there's usually a mouthwatering food department in the basement. Some stores even have their own railway in the basement - actually they are, like 'our' Odakyu, built over a private railway terminus. The store also owns the feeder bus lines at the suburban stations.
Japanese food can be quite inexpensive, and it's possible to eat out for ù500 or so or get a takeaway from a supermarket.
For the second weekend we made a trip to Osaka, for the DAICON Japanese SF convention. Anyone contemplating a similar journey in Japan should acquaint themselves with travel options and event timings before leaving the UK, as our trip was an object lesson in how NOT to do it. We belatedly realised that the trains and buses would be busy, found we had missed the chance of any discounts, were dismayed at the cost of the Shinkashen fare, and eventually went out by overnight bus, arriving a full day early for the Con, and returned by Shinkashen at a total cost of #125 a head for a round trip of about 800km (500 miles).
The DAICON was rather different from a British SF con. There was no programming for the Friday night, and fans arrived on the Saturday and went home on Sunday afternoon. There was no evening programme on Saturday night after 7pm; instead there were all-night parties and discos, notably the so-called 'boat cruise' which many fans went to in lieu of hotel accommodation. There was no bar at the convention hotel. Gibber.
The proceedings were of course all conducted in Japanese, but an English language programme summary sheet was provided for gaijin guests. On the whole the programme items were quite like those at a British EasterCon, with media items well represented. Some anime (of course) was shown, as was some interesting live action and puppet- animation material by fans. There was a fan room, which sold mainly manga, reminiscent of COMIKE.
As regards the hotel and the con fees, it gradually dawned on us that we were being treated as guests of the convention, which was jolly hospitable of them, and we're very grateful. We didn't even have to DO anything. For non-Japanese speakers, the most rewarding things were the opportunity to exchange addresses with Japanese fans or other gaijin, and to watch the video parts of the programme. The closing ceremony, with up to thirty people on stage in costume, was quite spectacular, and was videoed by Denzil and Darren.
Other gaijin at DAICON included visiting Australians, AnimEigo boss Robert Woodhead, and a couple of residents, one of whom like Woodhead had a Japanese wife. Some of us went out to dinner with Keith Johansson and later visited his apartment, which like many Japanese apartments was about the size of a British bedroom.
The Osaka International Hotel offered us our only glimpse of Japanese TV. There was some anime, a lot of game shows (awful), sport, documentaries, channels with English or selectable Eng/Jap soundtracks, and some samurai adventures, the latter being the most watchable.
As a finale to our visit, Denzil revealed that he had accepted on our behalf an invitation from Minoe-san to visit his house in Mito city, have a bath and dinner, and be given a lift to Narita airport in the morning. So we went to Mito on the Shinkashen. There was a delay because Denzil left his rucksack with his passport and Minoe-san's address in it on the Yamanote circle line train. The rucksack returned with the train an hour later; would this have happened in London?
We arrived at Minoe-san's house armed, Japanese-fashion, with suitable presents; later the family gave us some charming presents.
Modern Japanese bathrooms look familiar except for a drain in the floor; the bather is expected to wash or shower before getting in the bath. And there is a roll-up cover to keep the water warm between bathers.
Emiko-san's meal was excellent; there was a wide selection of dishes with fish, salad or meat, accompanied by beer and tea. Darren was thrashed by the children at computer games, and later we watched a Japanese live action SF movie (Jupiter Project).
When it rains, it pours buckets, just like in the anime. Our return flight was delayed by a typhoon which dumped nearly a foot of rain in 24 hours. It turned a small river fringed by golf courses into a half mile wide expanse of brown waves.
On the return flight we had a great view of Siberian geography for several hours - a bit like Mars + water and pine trees. A complete contrast with teeming Tokyo.
Denzil, lucky fellow, was to stay in Japan for a further two weeks.
Would we go again? Yes!
[5] GIANT ROBO
by Richard Steele
Giant Robo 1 and 2 are the first in a series of OAVs released by Hikari Productions/Amuse Video/Plex/Atlantis. Based on the older live action series, Giant Robo the Anime is the story of a boy and his robot. The boy, twelve year old Daisaku Kusama, and the most powerful robot on earth, Giant Robo, are engaged in an epic struggle against the forces of Big Fire. Big Fire, along with the assistance of the mysterious Magnificent Ten, seek no less than world domination and is willing to employ any means to achieve these ends. Standing alongside Daisaku in his struggle to oppose Big Fire are the Experts of Justice, an international police organisation devoted to upholding justice throughout the world.
This struggle takes place in a future earth much like our own, except that it is dominated by the presence of the Shizuma Drive. Most resembling some sort of recyclable chemical battery, the Shizuma Drive provides cheap, pollution-free, power which now runs almost everything on earth, from the largest factories to the smallest cigarette lighters. However, the history of the Shizuma Drive is tainted by the tragedy of Bashitarlle. A disaster of such magnitude that it destroyed the peaceful country of Bashitarlle and plunged the earth into darkness for seven days, killing nearly a third of the earths population. Now it seems that Big Fire is near to recreating that disaster. Daisaku and the Experts of Justice may well be the only things standing against Big Fire, but their cause is far from hopeless as they possess the power of the mightiest robot on earth Giant Robo.
Director Yasuhiro Imagawa has retained few elements of the original live action Giant Robo in his animated version. In fact only the boy Daisaku, his wristwatch which he uses to control Giant Robo, and Robo itself are left from the original show. Responsible for the visual elements of Giant Robo are Animation Director Kazuyoshi Katayama, Image Concept Designer Makoto Kobayashi, and Art Director Hiromasa Ogura.
Their talents have combined to craft a visual style reminiscent of much older works but completed with skill enough to make any studio jealous. This fascinating visual style extends into all facets of Giant Robo including both the character designs and the mecha designs. Made famous by his work on Gundam, designer Takashi Watabe is responsible for the mecha design of Giant Robo, while his colleagues, Toshiyuki Kubooka and Akihiko Yamashita, are responsible for the character designs as Giant Robo itself is as much a character in anime as it's master Daisaku. Though it lacks the ability to speak or to change its expression, Robo still manages to convey a sense of strong emotion through the artists manipulation of camera angles, shadows, and body language. All of these elements combine in an anime that is both a visual and auditory delight for the viewer.
It should be mentioned at this time that this is a review of the original Japanese version of Giant Robo. Since its release, Giant Robo has been dubbed into English by L.A. Hero, a subsidiary of U.S. Renditions. The text of the dubbed version and the quality of the voice acting varies so much from the original that they cannot be considered together in any way. In fact the script used by L.A. Hero (based on a translation by fan translator Tonghyun Kim) is anything but literal. Whole lines of dialogue are changed to such an extent that they convey different meanings than in the original Japanese. Other times dialogue has been added that was not in the original, often causing confusion as to what is supposed to be going on. Some of the dialogue of the English dub us incomprehensible - you simply cannot understand what the characters are saying. None of the English voice actors seem to have a feel for the personality of the character they are supposed to be portraying, and as a result the voice acting lacks any sort of emotion. The original Japanese release however, features many skilled voice actors and actresses who give exceptional performances that add a great deal to Giant Robo.
Daisaku Kusama: Voice actor Kappei Yamaguchi puts in an excellent performance as the 12 year old Daisaku Kusama. Kappei Yamaguchi's past credits include the voice of the male Ranma from the animated version of Rumiko Takahashi's Ranma ´. Yamaguchi creates the impression that Daisaku is a determined young boy who is mature for his age. Daisaku has the unenviable responsibility of commanding the most powerful robot on earth - Giant Robo. Daisaku's parents were killed by Big Fire after his father completed Giant Robo; this tragedy has robbed Daisaku of his childhood and thrust him into considerable danger. However, Daisaku is possessed of a strong spirit and has held up well under the strain of such great responsibility.
Gen-rei: Voice actress Sumi Shimamoto provides an exceptional performance as the young woman Gen-rei. Gen-rei is a member of the International Police Organisation and a close friend of fellow Expert Tetsugyu. She is an attractive young woman with long black hair. When she first appears she is disguised as a man wearing an iron mask. It is soon revealed that this mysterious individual is Gen-rei when she rescues Dr. Shizuma from the clutches of Big Fire.
Taiso: Voice actor Tadasuke Wakamoto plays the role of Taiso, one of the International Police Organisation's top Experts of Justice. Taiso is good friends with both Gen-rei and Tetsugyu having known Tetsugyu since they were both recruited by the IPO at the age of 12. Taiso is a bit of a clown and a carouser, but when the time for action comes he is a fearless fighter with amazing power. Taiso is also referred to as Aniki ("big brother") by Tetsugyu but whatever the name, the man himself remains the same; loyal, selfless, brave, and noble. He is the arch-nemesis of Big Fire member Lord Alberto.
Tetsugyu: Voice actor Akikazu Iizuka plays the role of Tetsugyu. Often referred to as Ox by Gen-rei, Tetsugyu is a giant of a man with a heart of pure gold. While he may seem blusterous and a bit awkward, he is a man of deep sensitivity who cares a great deal for his friends. He shares a special relationship with Gen-rei, who he loves above all others. In the face of the enemy he is fearless to the point of recklessness. He is also stubborn to a fault which may have led Gen-rei to bestow upon him the nickname of Ox. Then again, it may have been only his great size and awkward behaviour around Gen-rei that elicited the nickname.
Professor Go: Voice actor Masahito Ebara plays the role of the often reserved Professor Go. Go is an Expert in intelligence and all scientific matters. In addition to his academic skills, Professor Go is a master of the ancient martial art of the Iron Fan technique. Quiet and reserved Professor Go neither wastes words or actions, earning him the respect of fellow Experts.
Chief Chugo: Voice actor Iemasa Kaumi provides the voice for the chief of the IPO and the most powerful of all the Experts of Justice. The true nature of "Silent Chugo" is not revealed during the first two episodes of Giant Robo, but is implied that the chief of the Experts possesses vast destructive power. Cool and collected, Chief Chugo is the leader of the Experts and responsible for their actions.
Gen'ya: Voice actor Sanemori Ogawa plays the role of the leader of the Magnificent Ten, Big Fire's elite inner circle. Gen'ya is responsible for the creation of the three anti-Shizuma Drives, one of which is stolen by Dr. Shizuma himself. When these three devices are installed in the immense machine Von Fogler built it will be able to drain the power of every Shizuma Drive on the planet.
Lord Alberto: Voice actor Yosuke Akimoto provides the voice of Lord Alberto, one of Big Fires most powerful and ruthless agents. Alberto's power is equalled only by his arrogance, and his hatred for the Experts knows no bounds. Alberto lost both his close friend and his right eye in battle with Taiso. Now he is looking to settle the score.
Ivan: Voice actor Yasuyoshi Hara plays the roll of Ivan, Lord Alberto's right hand man. Ivan is loyal to his superior Lord Alberto without question. Ivan is a peculiar figure who seems tortured by some great tragedy in his past.
Ko-Enshaku: No voice actor plays the part of Ko-Enshaku as Ko-Enshaku never speaks. In fact he is not only clad in armour from head to toe, but wears a mask to hide his face. The other members of the Magnificent Ten of Big Fire seem suspicious of Ko-Enshaku because of his strange behaviour, however it is clear he shares their goals. But aside from this Ko-Enshaku is a mystery to both his allies and his enemies.
Professor Franken Von Fogler: Voice actor Koichi Chiba plays the part of the mysterious figure of Professor Franken Von Fogler. Originally one of the five members of the Shizuma design team, Professor Von Fogler went over the edge after repeated failures seemed to endanger the development of the Shizuma Drive. It was this maniacal determination to complete the project that led to Franken Von Folger's apparent death.
Professor Shizuma: Voice actor Kazuo Harada plays the role of Professor Shizuma, the principle figure behind the creation of the Shizuma Drive. Professor Shizuma is a tortured soul driven to the point of near madness over his misgivings about the nature of the Shizuma Drive that he helped to create. He seems convinced that Von Fogler will return from the dead to recreate the great disaster that nearly destroyed the world and punish humanity for their blind reliance on the Shizuma Drive.
Giant Robo was released in Japan by Hikari Productions/Amuse Video/Plex/Atlantis. All rights under copyright reserved. The dubbed version of Giant Robo is released by L.A. Hero, a division of U.S. Renditions. All rights under copyright reserved.
[6] Japanese Culture
by Steve "Yanez" Whitcher
Over the last six months I have started to wonder what the subliminal meanings behind anime storylines meant. This has led to an interest in the Japanese and their culture. The Japanese and their culture are a vast and fascinating subject and I hope that others will follow me into trying to find out more about both.
Like TV in the UK, Japanese TV reflects the culture of the people it is made by. Anime therefore contains the Japanese ideals of life, these ideals may not be easily obtainable in real life and are added for escapism. The major Japanese ideals are endurance and a sort of Esprit de Corps. This puts the emphasis on the good of the group, rather than that of the individual. This is in a dichotomy with the Shinjinryui (new humans) in Japan, but still applies to most of the population.
The idea of endurance is to endure misfortune, pain, etc. without complaint. To complain would be to show the wrong attitude, to the Japanese people it is almost a case of "no pain, no gain". You may remember Clive James showed us Japans' Endurance TV programme. This programme was popular in Japan, because it was an extreme parody of real life. It is argued that the cases of suicide in Japan are a result of endurance, as it is a way of getting out of a situation. Thus, an anime like Area 88 is teaching endurance.
The good of the group, rather than that of the individual, is also well covered in anime. Usually this is shown as a single hero trying unsuccessfully to defeat the enemy, it is not until he gains the cooperation of others that the evil is overcome. This lesson in cooperation to obtain a common goal runs in the Japanese version of the three little pigs. The first two little pigs escape the attacks of the big bad wolf so that they can join the third pig, they cooperate and entice him down the chimney. In the usual English version of the story the first two pigs get eaten but the third one with more foresight and individual cunning, defeats the wolf.
Japanese culture plays down individuality; However I did say that anime is also escapism, so there are many heroes that show a lot of individuality. The book "Images of Japan" sites Fuji Santaro, Asatte Kun, Mappira Kun, and Hoshi Hyuma, as heroes with individuality. From the same book it concludes that in the Japanese media it would appear that there are few double acts, but I am not so sure. What about Nadia and Jean, or Briareos and Deunan, or even The Dirty pair?
Group cooperation means the Japanese do not feel guilt purely because he/she has broken some law laid down by Moses or Confucius. Guilt is because he/she senses that he/she has let the group down, or fails to meet the group's expectations. The Japanese have a shame culture which contrasts with the guilt culture that we have in the UK. This helps to explain the low crime rates in Japan.
If a Japanese person steals, he/she is breaking the rule of cooperation. This means bringing shame on their family, the company where they work, and anywhere else they have a psychological contract and belongs to a group.
Japan has a long tradition of individual responsibility and a strong sense of the importance of individual effort and willpower. There is a Japanese proverb "Seishin itto nanigotoka narazaran" (Where there's a will, there's a way) and "Jigo jitoku" (One must pay the consequences of one's misdeeds).
Moving on to the subject of crime, violence and sex (Manga Video territory!!). The abundance of violent and erotic media available in Japan allows the Japanese, especially the men, to escape from the real world. This is in order that it is possible for the Japanese to live in harmony in a quiet uneventful real world. In Ian Buruma's book "A Japanese Mirror" he writes that the Japanese are able to maintain tatemae (how they appear to the outside world) of harmonious existence with their friends, relatives, and colleagues, due to the amount of vicarious and fantasy violence and eroticism that they are exposed to.
Of course, this all sharply contrasts with what happens in the UK. I personally believe this is why manga and anime have such a reputation of being full of sex and violence. The Japanese allow sex and violence in the media, because they don't have a problem with it in the real world. Though the Japanese appear quite prudish, it is not a problem to the Japanese. Society it seems needs a certain amount of sex and violence; in the UK we get this in real life, as we can express ourselves quite easily. For the Japanese it is much harder, and they get it partially second hand through fantasy media. In a country such as Japan, they have had enough post-war problems without crime.
This fantasy top-up is similar to the "fast car" top-up in the US. The strict laws prohibit fast driving, so the film industry satisfies the "want" by producing films crammed with fast car chases. In Japan, another example of the media filling in the "want" gaps, left in real life are with Newspapers and TV news reporting.
In 1984 a con man was hacked to death live on TV. A news team were reporting live outside the con man's home when two self-styled philosophers forced their way into the house. They hacked the occupant to pieces, and then clambered out and gave an instant, blood splattered interview on live TV. The TV report complete with slow-motion replays, was how one bedridden old lady was informed of her son's demise.
The most popular Japanese magazines are Focus and Friday, these have been described as a Japanese version of "News of the World" with the same production values of "Life". They carry articles that are about Sex, Death and Fame, preferably in that order. The naked body of a dead actress is perfect, or a colour close-up of a mangled car or plane crash victim.
All this escapism is good for the Japanese community, and I think that this is why anime and manga have a firm following both here and in the US. Generally, I think that this is a good thing, and perhaps if we had more escapism in the UK our crime rates would come down. Although I admit that Manga Video have gone over the top.
There are drawbacks with living too much in a "Cartoon Book World" as Peter Tasker puts it in "Inside Japan". In 1983 Kazuo Suzuki was arrested for convincing rich women that he was the nephew of the Queen of England. The fact that he could only speak Japanese was ignored by the women. They were used to Gaijin (foreigners) in manga speaking colloquial Japanese. So the poor women were totally fooled by a blond tint of the fraud hair, and his facial restructuring.
Moving on to the Japanese themselves, they believe rather conceitedly that they are better than everyone else. Gaijin means people who live outside (Japan). The Japanese have long been isolated from the rest of the world. The complexity of their language has meant that there have been many communication problems. Again quoting Peter Tasker:-
"Children who watch foreigners on TV every day seem amazed to be confronted by the real thing, and bellow out their one single completely sentence of English 'This is a pen'. Their parents have different conversational gambits 'Can you use chopsticks? ' Or 'Which Japanese foods can't you eat? ' The subtext of the statement is the same, I am Japanese, You are a foreigner and that distinction is of overwhelming importance."
Even as late as during the last century, Japanese scholars were debating whether the Dutch raised one leg to pee. Japanese are probably the most racist people in the world. Even Japanese citizens who originate from outside Japan find themselves subjected to racism. John Lowe who lived in Japan for many years has said "In Japan, you may be liked, but never accepted".
Having had 2 Japanese people living in my corridor at Reading University a few years ago, I can say that the Japanese tend to stick together and don't want any contact with outsiders. I found this rather strange, at first trying to talk to them, I found this difficult. I did find one Japanese student who was prepared to talk to me; he turned out to be Welsh.
A poll of Japanese housewives living in New York showed that there was very little contact with American neighbours or the American scene. THE Japanese abroad keep themselves to them selves, but I would expect that if I were in a strange land I would search out people that spoke my own language. I have been told that Manchester university has a good Anglo-Japanese relationships.
Back in the 16th century Joao Rodrigues wrote "They (the Japanese) are so crafty in their hearts that nobody can understand them, Whence it is said that they have three hearts. A false one in their mouths for all to see, another within their breasts only for their friends, and a third in the depths of their hearts, reserved for themselves alone".
Why this was written is simple to explain. There is a chasm between tatemae (face) and nonne (real intention), thus when a Japanese person says yes he/she may actually mean no. To say no would be impolite as it gives the impression that you don't care about the other person. Thus it is better not to say no straight away, but politely cancel at a later date.
Also some Japanese language is nonverbal, which is guaranteed to confuse the average Gaijin. I am not actually convinced that I am sure what nonverbal communication is, and have even less idea how it is done. This communication is called haragei (tummy talk).
Basically the Japanese use vague words which are open ended, but what they mean is transmitted by a glance or other body language. The ideal would appear to be to live out your emotions rather than verbalise them. You may be interested that this is the origin of hara-kiri (belly-cutting). It was believed that the soul was in the intestines. So by disembowelment you could show people what was really in your soul.
It is for these reasons that communications between the Japanese and Gaijin are so difficult, the Japanese are well known for this.
Japanese seem to spend most of their free time doing individual hobbies. One reason for this is that they live in cramped and overcrowded conditions and need their own space. Watching Television, reading manga, magazines and newspapers is how most Japanese spend their leisure hours, they spend triple the time watching TV they spend on any other leisure activity.
A Japanese man might be a photography buff, but the idea of joining a photography club would not occur to most Japanese men. Being on your own crops up quite a lot in religion. In the Zen tradition, inspiration comes from a stroll in the garden, not from fellowship as in the west.
Some Japanese TV is rather strange. In one programme contestants have to guess which Japanese foods a foreigner will dislike the most, a drama series about extramarital affairs. We all know about anime but, Peter Tasker reflects that all the huge robots with insignificant human heroes in the robots chests are supposed to have morals about the power of high technology and the danger of being without it.
Finally a word or two about 'Japlish'. Have you ever wondered why so many anime shows have English words cropping up? Japanese culture has borrowed so many words from other cultures such as 'Disco', 'Nite Club', etc. The answer is of course fashion, the Japanese don't however necessarily know what the words mean. 'Bum' was a brand of crisps, 'Pis' a refreshing soft drink. Japlish slogans can be just as nice - 'My life, My gas' was not trying to sell indigestion remedy, but fuel.
That is it, I hope that this article has whetted your appetite. The Japanese people and their culture are a fascinating subject, check out you local library for books.
Thanks to Kanji Bates for proofreading, and John Dobson for inspiring me to write this and Helen McCarthy for being Helen.
Copyright Anime KT 1993
