Go Go America! 4th of July, Americana, and Kantai Collection

"Wait, who actually cares about America right?! This is an anime-video game-otaku related Japan-centric blog?" This is what the girl above is likely saying with aloofness. Not just to tell you guys Happy American Independence Day! (we're an America-based blog), there may be more at foot. 

 Well, girl with America plastered across her chest (literally), let's talk about this in more detail!

It's not any kind of big news to tell you that Japan is obsessed with America, American culture, and our mannerisms! From the constant katakanizing (not a real word but you know what I mean) of English terms to Japanese, taking on a whole new meaning in Japanese (wasei eigo), seeing all the latest English blockbusters (Avengers 2, anyone?) in Japanese theatres, eating common American foods and turning them on their heads ("hamburger" is almost always served without a bun and on a platter, "pizza" has crazy mayonnaise based toppings that would make Hijikata cry in joy, etc)... It's obvious Japan loves American culture. 

Just take a look at that Animu blond female Iron-Man who still manages to be kawaii and have a girly pose. Even back in the days of the original Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, the titular generation of Joestars come from English speaking countries before being Japanese. Huh!

Is this girl a ship or a girl? Okay, I can tell it's just a girl. But how about looking below :)

And now, there's a new phase in Japanese otaku culture that focuses on culture in an interesting new way -- Kantai Collection! Well, it's not very new, but the anime was just released prior to this new season. Started as a browser game, then a table top game, then a video game, then an Anime series, Kantai collection (Fleet collection) focuses on traditional sea vessels and, well, just look below...

Ever heard of a battleship otaku? Well, me either, but they exist. And when you turn their deadly sea-faring war machines into chicks, well, they experience some true fandom. 

They range from full on characterizations to just girls equipped with ship-themed weapons, but notice how there are some American battleships?! Well well well, I think that Harrison Ford was never happier to see a tribute to his home country since he had a chilled Kirin Lager beer (kudasai).

I hope you fellow otaku have fond memories of the 4th of July, with fireworks (in your heart), barbeque (lighting a fire in your soul), and good times (now and in the future). We're halfway through 2015 and the Otaku Reviewers are far from over!

-chansu

The weird world of Japanese anime figures, 3

Not quite Japanese anime, but they are figures, and they are from Japan. Who even knows who these characters are??

So besides massive success of Avengers in Japan, and Kingdom Hearts III potentially adding some Goerge Lucas and Marvel goodness to their repertoire, there are also figures (figma even) of some amazing Disney + Marvel figures going on. Check them out!

Darth Vader Samurai?! This figure is sold at J-List. our unofficial partner. Feel free to browse their wares and other Star Wars goods they have on sale!

Thor and Captain America Figma poses, just like the Japanese like them.

Does the pure hubris of Iron Man resonate with the Japanese psyche? 

What do you think? Where does American cartoonage/comics come into play in the Japanese world? Are you a weeaboo or a westaboo? Only time can tell...

-Chansu

What About the Reverse?

These days everyone's wondering why American film companies and Hollywood are acquiring anime and manga to develop into live-action motion pictures... We were all scared when we thought Zac Efron was going to play Light Yagami in a potential Death Note film but were relieved when it did not develop on the time frame they suggested, hinting at a possible fallout in production.

But what about the reverse? It seems like there are some cases where Japanese anime production companies are buying recreation rights or partnering with American cartoon and comics companies to create ANIME based off of American stuff.

Here are a few cases:

Powerpuff Girls has been turned into an anime called Powerpuff Girls Z
Check out the opening

The show is played by Cartoon Network Japan. Cartoon Network planned to show it all over the world, however I must have not been paying attention when it came to the US.

Iron Man is in progress to become an anime and will be released this fall in Japan...

It'll probably be in the US pretty soon. America doesn't like to give away it's stuff without getting it back...

The same thing with Wolverine

Many youtubers have noticed the difference between the Japanese adaption version of Wolverine and the tried and true American version.

Those are just a few cases that I know about...

There's also many fan artists who take it upon themselves to animefy American cartoons...

Some of the cast of Peanuts recreated as older anime characters ^^

Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory

The Cast of Scooby Doo in Anime Style ^^

(All of these images were borrowed from Deviantart and found on the NeoGAF forum, click the link for more)

Now I think I'd watch many of these cartoons again if they were remade into anime and rescripted by Japanese producers!