Going back to basics

Lately I’ve been trying to follow the newest anime to come from Japan.  To be honest, I’m not that impressed.  The characters designs seem flat, stories non-existent, and music is subpar.  Mind you these are just my personal observations so they shouldn’t be taken literally.

I’ve been in the animation industry for over 10 years and I have seen trends come and go.  To me, the main constant is a good story.  My generation and previous generations were amazed by the work of such talented artists, such as Osamu Tezuka, Hayao Miyazaki, Leiji Matsumoto, Monkey Punch, Masumune Shirow, Range Murata, Rumiko Takahashi, and Kenichi Sonda to name a few.

That being said I have decided to learn from the great masters, such as Osamu Tezuka (comics) and Hayao Miyazaki (Animation).  Young artists can learn a great deal from these great masters.

Tezuka’s story were so complex and interesting that you had to read it more than once to get the full body of the story.  I am currently reading “MW.” The people of Vertical Inc in NYC have translated this brick of a manga with great care.  The story of the manga deals with the politics, religion, and the battle between good and evil.  I won’t give too much away, but is a great manga to read.  I would suggest you read it during the day.  It might give you nightmares.

Hayao Miyazaki has been taken the baton of great animators, such as Max Fleisher and Walt Disney.  His stories, character designs, and backgrounds have been admired from not only Japanese artists, but also artists abroad, such as John Lassiter of Pixar.  I for one am looking forward to watching Miyazaki-san’s newest film, “The Borrowers.”  Thought I suspect the film will not make a stateside release until a year after the initial Japanese release.

Much can be said about the great masters works.  At the end it is the ability of the artists and writers to make what they feel is right and go with it.  Like generations of the past the same adage is always true, hard work pays off in the end.

Akira has opened some old wounds

Recently Mr. George Takei (Sulu of Star Trek fame) has set up a petition in regards to the proposed casting of white actors in Mr. Katsuhiro Otomo's Anime masterpiece, Akira.  Mr. Takei has expressed further concern that the production company, Warner Brothers, is ignoring the pool of talented Asian and Asian-American actors to portray in the film.  Warner Brothers' argument is that they are trying to make the film more accessible to a global audience.  If they want make this film more global, then hire a more variety of actors and actresses.

Warner Brothers has also changed the setting of the story, for example instead of having the movie set in the old remains of Tokyo (as told in the original story), the new film is set in the remnants of New York.  The city change drew some ire from dedicated Anime fans, but the casting of white actors drew the biggest ranting, namely from Mr. Takei and others.

I agree with Mr. Takei and it is hard to argue his pedigree of 50 plus years in the industry.  His sage incite shows that something like this shouldn't be taken lightly.  While it is easy to read off more than 5 well-known white and African-American actors/actresses.  It is harder to know one let alone 5 well-known Asian or Asian-American actors/actresses.  Very few shows in the US have well placed Asian or Asian-American actors.  Only a few shows come to mind, such as Hawaii 5-0, Out-Sourced, Glee, and Big Bang Theory.

While I would hypothesize that this kind of news wouldn't mean much in Europe or Asia, but I could be wrong.  For those of us born in the US (2nd generation Asians), we are still sometimes regarded as second class citizens.  This way of thinking needs to stop. 

The casting of white actors in Akira has struck a raw nerve from those who were bullied in school because you were "different."  Time will tell what Warner Brother's decision will be regarding of Akira. 

I have one last question, I wonder if Mr. Otomo has anything to say about this matter?

DC Sakura Matsuri 2011

On Saturday April 9, the DC area exploded with cute cat girls, kimonos, traditional and modern musical acts at the 51st annual Sakura Matsuri.

Here are some photos of the activities.

Cosplay

Musical Acts
Reni Mimura

Spirit Noise

SeShami Street

UZUHI

Activities

Please help the people in Northern Japan. Every little bit helps.

The store is now open.

You can get the watercolor here.

Situation in Northern Japan

I know many of you have seen the images.  It's quite difficult to look at them.  It's even more difficult to know that your family and friends are in harms way.  I am relieved that my family member is safe and sound.  I would like to take a moment to pray for all of those lost souls during this terrible disaster.

To those people recovering, take heart that you are never alone.  Many people have chipped in to help.  I know many artists and musicians have donated his or her time to do benefits for the victims.

Please be mindful on who you give money to.  The international Red Cross/Red Crescent, American Red Cross, Japanese Red Cross, and Salvation Army are the only true organizations that can help.

At this moment I am going to design an ink painting and sell the picture on my store site later this week.  All of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.  I was inspired by Johnny Wander. (Yuko-chan, honntoni arigato gozaimasu.  Anata no e wa jozu desu yo.  Ganbarro Nippon!!).


Please stay strong and more importantly... stay safe...

Happy New Year, Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu, Sae Hae Bok Mani Padu Se Yo, Gong Xi Fa Tsai, Gong Hee Fai Choi.... Happy Bunny Year!!

I've been pretty busy working and planning stuff.  I want to thank the numerous fans from around the world for visiting my humble site.  I hope to publish some more stuff on my "otaku's voice" blog soon.  It will most likely be done in the summer.  I wish I had time to do more, but I am just one man.  Unfortunately my time is very, very, VERY limited.

In the meantime, please visit my friend's blogs for all things cool in pop-culture.  Some of the bloggers are my classmates from SVA and are still active in the industry.  Just think warm thoughts East Coasters.  Spring is just around the corner.

The cherry blossoms will be in full bloom in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC so please make sure to check them out.  Same in NYC for the Brooklyn Botanical Garden Cherry Blossom Festival. In Japan, the cherry blossom means the end and beginning of the school year.  Though I suspect most of you are itching to get out of school... patience is  virtue young padawan...

Thanks again and have a glorious New Year... ^_^