May Pang's Asian Media Internet News

Ahhh… Who else remembers the golden age of anime in the U.S.? I remember the joy of all the great Toonami shows being ushered in by the calm and reassuring voice of Steve Blum through his robot avatar, Tom. When anime was on throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Those truly were halcyon days. Yet we were never satisfied with what the Cartoon Network scheduling gods deemed worthy enough for us to view. Many of us found other… more affordable ways of acquiring our favorite anime. Always fresh of the Japanese subbing sites. I had become so stuck in my ways that no alternative seemed viable. However, I was shocked by a revelation I had just a few weeks ago. I don’t know about all of out there, but I love being able to physically have the anime I watch in file form on my computer. There is something about the certainty of its existence for my viewing pleasure that I prefer over streaming sites. That being said, I may be readjusting my view on this point a tad.

I was fully aware of the fact that Hulu had begun in the past year or two putting anime on the site for its viewers. But it always seemed that all they were uploading were Shonen-Jump-esc anime like Naruto and Bleach. “Psssshh! Look at that generic mainstream shows they are putting up for the anime-inept masses! Hah I say, HAH,” is more or less how I viewed it. Sure, every so often I would notice a not-so-common anime that I would be surprised to see, but I didn’t think much of it. I still opted towards more lascivious methods of procural. However, after watching through Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood on Hulu (there was no way I was going to take the time to download all fifty odd episodes at that point in time), I came to a startling realization. I had just finished the last episode but still desired to watch more anime. I clicked on the “anime” tag below the show, expecting a few series to come up.

A screenshot of Funimation's page on Hulu

Over 250! From Inuyasha to Mushi-shi.  When the hell did this mass compilation arrive on Hulu! Granted, after a detailed analysis of the anime present, it was lacking in some main titles that any collection should have. That aside, I was impressed by the sheer volume of anime present. For those who need their anime fix as much as I do, Hulu might be the perfect answer to my cavalier “anime fan on the go” lifestyle. No downloads, no fees, no worry of it being taken down due to copyrights. For those who watch the newest and most popular anime out there, our tried and true method will have to continue to be your means of acquisition. But, for those older anime that have migrated to America, via Funimation and what have you, Hulu will be the perfect tool to cut away the slag that plagues your downloading bandwidth. The quality will also far surpass any streaming sites out there.

In the past I have had my doubts about Hulu and streaming sites in general when it came to anime. But, as per what makes us a surviving fanbase, we must adapt. As the Mr. Dylan said, “the times are a changing,” and I think commercialized streaming might be what gets us through. Symbiosis is the name of the game, and I am “lichen” our odds.

So, seeing as I have been behind on my anime viewing as of late, I’ve decided to get a jump start for the Spring 2011 lineup. And just like a person trying to go on a diet, I’m going to convince you all to do it with me! So let’s get started. There is a pretty wide range of anime coming out this Spring. I dare say there will definitely be something for every kind of anime lover, even you fan service addicts! As most of these series are around a month and a half away from release, I won’t go into too much detail about them just yet. I’ll decide at a later date what specifically to review. However, if anyone sees an anime they feel looks intriguing; shoot me a request for a review.

Click for Larger View: Credit to cowboybibimbop

I have just started looking through all the upcoming anime but a few have already caught my eye that are guaranteed to be reviewed. The first being Deadman Wonderland by Manglobe. The anime will be an adaptation of the manga written by Jinsei Kataoka and illustrated by Kazuma Kondou. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t biased towards their work, due to my love of their previous accomplishment: Eureka Seven. Also, I have been happy with Manglobe in the past, with their work on Samurai Champloo. Two other shows that caught my eye on the list were Ao no Exorcist and Maria+Holic: Alive, both of which I’ll get into more detail as their release dates approach. The first about… well an exorcist, and the second about a… lesbian teenager in an all girls high school… yeah… See, I can be diverse!

Television series aside there are several fantastic theatrical films I’m going to have to take some time aside to watch as well. Onigamiden, Hoshi wo ou Kodomo, and Detective Conan: Quarter of Silence are definitely three movies you will be seeing me review in the future. However, I’m saddened by the fact I won’t be able to experience the remade Ghost in the Shell S.A.C Solid State Society in 3D. In upcoming weeks I’ll post some articles outlining in more detail what specific shows or films are about, each with a quick bio and trailer. Until then, this anime schedule for Spring 2011!

Schedule by Cowboybibimbop

NEWS and Kanjani8 member Nishikido Ryo will be staring as a father in the new J-Drama “Inu wo Kau to Iu Koto” at the ripe age of 26. Am I the only one who thinks this is really young for a father?
Well, not as much when he’s playing the role of a 30-year-old man with a family of four. Nishikido will star as Hongo Yuji, a salaryman who works in human resources, laying off employees for a living. He himself is finally laid off and is left little options to support his family. With his family slowly collapsing, he takes in a Pomeranian puppy and names him Sky Tree, fitting for the puppy since the family lives in the downtown area near the Tokyo Sky Tree Tower. Raising this new-found dog gives the family hope and strength to survive the hard times.

Mizukawa Asami (Dark Water, Nodame Cantibile), will star as Nishikido’s wife. Their two on-screen children, ages 7 and 9, have not been revealed yet.

Nishikido and Mizukawa have acted in several dramas together including Last Friends (2008) and Orthros no Inu (2009).

The drama will begin airing on Fridays at 11:15PM in April.

source: tokyograph

Ah REC… but first…You want to know the one thing that bugs me about every romance anime you come across out there in that wide, wide world of anime fangirl genres? It’s how every one of them has the same preset understanding that this is going to be a “will they or won’t they!” fest. So, unless you are the amazing masters of anti-romantic endings, thank you to all the people at TNK who made School Days possible, they will always finally express their true feelings for each other at the end of the entire series. An occurrence that I have dubbed the “Inuyasha Kagome” syndrome. I’m not trying to bash on all the Inuyasha, Love Hina and Ah! My Goddess fans out there but SOME diversity can be refreshing. So enters REC.

REC is a less-than-mainstream anime based on an equally aptly named manga. The title comes from the abbreviation for “record,” as one of the leads in a voice actress. The series was adapted in 2006 by Shaft into a convenient nine episode mini-series, with one extra bonus episode released after the shows completion. I came across REC after watching one of Shaft’s previous romance titles, Mahoromatic. Honestly I started watching expecting another copy and paste plot.

BAM Intercourse! One thing REC did not do was start slow. Having both of its awkwardly kind characters share an emotional one night stand in the first episode was an innovative way to kick off the series! Honestly, that was enough to convince this was worth watching. Thus enters our two, apparently easy, main characters, Fumihiko Matsumaru and Aka Onda. He, a struggling snack company marketer and she, an aspiring voice actor obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. Truly a couple whose love was predestined by the gods!

Meeting one night outside a showing of Roman Holiday the two hit it off, parting ways after viewing the film together. Their reunion is sooner and less joyous than either expected, as Fumihiko is awakened by a fire raging within his neighborhood. Upon investigation he finds Aka near the fire. The burning building turning out to be her apartment, Aka now finds herself homeless. Being the gentlemen that Fumihiko is, he invites her back to his home to stay the night. Following their return to his apartment, they become emotional and end up sleeping together. Gotta say from some perspectives it kind of looks like Fumihiko took advantage of the situation, but anyway. They end up living together on and off, with mixed feelings on how they should handle their situation with each other. Aka even acquires a voice acting job with Fumihiko’s company, furthering their social and professional interaction together.

From an outside analysis of the plot I could see someone thinking, “Wait, I thought he said this wasn’t another will they or won’t they?” In some sense REC does do that, but it handles it differently than most romance animes out there. This isn’t an awkward flirty tongue and cheek high school story like Lovely Complex. But it’s also not over the top unrealistic escapade found in Steel Angel Kurumi and Ah! My Goddess. What I respected about REC was its refreshing “actual relationship” feel. No trying to find a way to express your feelings for the other through the whole show. No teenagers weeping over the half demon who won’t love her. Just two people in their twenties trying to make what they already have work, and decide if it’s even worth having in the first place. The series is short but it makes its point well, and I think if you want something new from your romance animes you should check REC out.

Here is a video of the opening for those who want a taste of the show now:

I’m not going to lie. I definitely want to see this movie. Not because of my seemingly perverted thoughts but because of the fact that two men will be starring in a movie about pole dancing. I mean that in the least sexual way of course.

D2, a “brother unit” of the dancing troupe D-BOYS, will be starring in the movie “Pole Dancing Boys.” This will be the first time the boys will be starring in a feature length film. The movie will be directed by Shusuke Kaneko (“Death Note,” Azumi 2″).

Although the initial reaction to the title of the film to foreigners would be a bit surprising, it’s not what we think. The boys will be showing off their acrobatic and athletic skills in a sport that is usually associated with women. Even though in America, we think of pole dancing as a form of sexual entertainment for some, it is actually a form of art and exercise.

The D2 will be coached by Reiko Suemune, the first winner of the Miss Pole Dance World championship in 2005.

The story centers around two young men, Atsushi and Shintaro, who are two comedians swindled out of 100,000 yen. Due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, they are lead to perform in an all-male pole dancing show.

D-BOYS is a group of young male actors under Watanabe Entertainment. The “D” stands for “Drama,” “Dream,” “Debut,” “Discovery,” and “Development.” The current members of D2 are Kenki Yamaguchi, Toru Kamitsuru, Yukito Nishii, Ryo Mitsuya, Syo Jinnai, Atsushi Arai, Shintaro Akutsu, Ryosuke Ikeoka, Yoichiro Oumi, and Takuya Negishi.

“Pole Dancing Boys” is scheduled to be released this May in Japan.

Source: tokyograph, cinematoday

Oh yes… Garzey’s Wing. This will do nicely as the flagship for my anime reviews. Surprisingly, I have chosen a treasure from my own personal library. I don’t normally buy my anime straight up, but being able to obtain a copy of Garzey’s Wing from the Time Square Virgin Record store, before they refurbished it into a lovely Forever 21, was a worthwhile endeavor!

But before we get into the details of this three part brilliant OVA flop, a brief history, roll cameras!… Released in 1996, Garzey’s Wing was the brain child of Yoshiyuki Tomino. For those who don’t drool over shiny mechs, he is the creator of the Gundam franchise. I was always more a Zoids kinda guy but I digress. I can only guess his wish was to branch off away from his mech-based successes for a different genre to work with, Garzey’s Wing was the result. Sadly the mainstream media didn’t share in his vision, and the film tanked. Now onto the main event!

His attempt at a serious action film was reminiscent of the drama and brilliance that was Tommy Wiseau’s The Room. One thing Tomino does do is keep an air of mystery going, because I promise you that you will have no idea what is going on from beginning to end. Garzey’s Wing’s plot, or lack thereof, is so loosely strung together that it’s pointless to even try to follow along. Through our cinematic adventure we follow our protagonist Chris, the most appropriately named Japanese college student around. As a protagonist Chris is totally relatable if you like oblivious condescending main characters, shout out to you DBZ fans! To be fair though, Chris has it rough being as he is randomly pulled from his body (so I guess his spirit?) and is transported to a land of fairies, dinosaurs, and terrible dubs. The method by which he is transported to this realm falls into the category of “magic giant duck from the sky,” which if you watch you’ll understand. Upon arriving in the world of Byston Well, Chris discovers he has the ability to sprout wings from his feet, as he lands in the middle of a slave uprising. These enslaved villagers seem to recognize the wings and refer to them as, ah hah, Garzey’s Wing (despite the fact that there are two). After the battle we cut away from Byston Wells Chris to his equally dashing counterpart, Present Day Chris. The OVA seems to want to imply that when the magic duck teleported part of Chris away, another Chris went about his regular business. The dynamic duo seems to be able to communicate to each other through their matching magic necklaces. Tomino doesn’t really address the fact that no one else can hear the conversations so it ends up that they both appear to be having continuous mental breakdowns as they talk to seemingly no one. In all honesty, the existence of Present Day Chris is an irrelevant part of the actual story, as he has no role in “plot” development. The whole length of the OVA all the viewer does is watch him go to a party and perform everyday tasks, while his counterpart is fighting knights who ride on dinosaur mounts.

I have been able to sit through the entirety of Chris’s journey a few times, but honestly the first viewing will always be the best. Garzey’s Wing’s horrific dubbing and writing make up some of the greatest quotable one-liners of any anime I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. Granted Tomino never actually concludes the story in the end. Perhaps he was trying to make a deep metaphor for our own personal journey’s never ending, or maybe he thought he could hold out for a sequel. Who knows. Regardless I recommend that any of you out there who like cheesy hilarious cult classic animes pick up a copy of Yoshiyuki Tomino’s dirty little secret. But just so you don’t have to take my word for it, here is a little preview.

I’m always on the look out for new Asian dramas to watch. This week, I’ve started a newly aired drama titled Bartender (バーテンダー), a live-action adaption of the manga with the same title (written by Araki Joh and illustrated by Kenji Nagatomo).

In the manga adaption of Bartender, we follow the famous bartender prodigy Ryu Sasakura who works at Eden Hall, an exclusive bar open to only those who are invited. Over the course of the manga, Ryu helps several bar-goers with their daily problems and fixing them drinks to ease their woes.

The live-action adaption take a different route in Ryu Sasakura’s life. Ryu (Aiba Masaki) had been a famous bartender who had recently won a cocktail competition in Europe. He worked at a prestigious bar in Paris but due to certain circumstances he left, quit being a bartender, and travels back to Japan. Ryu later encounters Miwa Kurushima (Kanjiya Shihori), a reporter who had been searching for Ryu in the first place. Thanks to her, Ryu has gains his spark back and takes up bartending again. He then proceeds to to help bar go-ers and even encounter rival bartenders.

This was one of the mangas that I read that I knew had a chance at becoming a live-action drama. The plot is great and the characters all have interesting back stories, no matter how insignificant they are. The drama stars Arashi member Aiba Masaki (who is also known for having very “cuticle” Engrish) and Kanjiya Shihori (Love Shuffle, Buzzer Beat). I was very impressed with Aiba’s bartending abilities. Unfortunately, I was more afraid of this drama becoming just like Kami no Shizuku (starring Kamenashi Kazuya)… Minus the inheritance money and wine that tastes like European art, of course.

It’s also amazing how they put the cocktails in drastic lighting and emphasize how great it is. It’s almost like… some sort of holy elixir that MUST be tasted. Of course, it’s only alcohol and it probably doesn’t look as cool in person. If cocktails did look that good, I’d probably be drunk all the time… Luckily, they don’t. For my sake.

So far, this drama pleases. Aiba is still adorable as ever and Kanjiya plays an excellent heroine. Let’s hope they both keep their momentum for the future episodes!

A new DVD titled “Oniichan DVD” has gained popularity in Japan… but why?

For those of you who may not know, “oniichan” is a term that young girls use to address their older brothers.

But what’s so special about this DVD? It features five young girls, shown only from the nose down saying the term “oniichan” in 100 different ways. The girls can be seen saying the term in sadness, happiness, and even when they’re short of breath.

The DVD has also surpassed it’s predecessor “Oniichan CD,” which sold over 30,000 copies. The series is aimed for men who have a desire for a young sister.

According to an employee of NR Pro has claimed that the DVD has “seen a good start.” It is available in Japan for 1,980yen.

Source: Japan Today

Shoujo manga series “Okusama wa 18-sai” is getting another remake this year. This time, it’ll star Japanese singer Takanori Nishikawa (known as T.M.Revolution and lead vocalist of abingdon boys school). Nishikawa’s co-star in this remake is actress Natsuna Watanabe.

The shoujou manga was created in 1969 by mangaka Miyoko Motomura. The manga series has already been adapted into a live-action drama in 1970 starring Tetsuo Ishidate and Yuki Okazaki. “Okusama wa 18-sai” tells the story of a teacher who is secretly married to one of his students.

This will be Nishikawa’s first starring role in a television series. He has previously co-starred in other series’ such as Beautiful Life (2000) and Kaigo Etoile (2006). His co-star Natsune Watanabe has recently recieved attention for her nude scenes in the live-action movie GANTZ. She has also co-starred in the movie “Kimi ni Todoke.”

Nishikawa had also tweeted a picture of him and his on-television bride together.

Four episodes are plan to air starting March 27th on Fuji TV TWO at 10:00PM.

It’s a sad day tonight for ‘We Got Married’ viewers, especially fans of the infamous Adam Couple. 2AM’s Jo Kwon and Brown Eyed Girls Son Ga In announced on the radio Shim Shim Ta Pa, Thursday evening that they will be leaving We Got Married. Fans knew that this was going to happen sooner or later, but they didn’t expect it to be like this.

The Adam Couple has made a huge impact on We Got Married, them being the longest couple to have ever been on the show, by breaking the one-year mark. Viewers laughed and cried watching the couple grow on the show, seeing the changes in each individual. Just last week, Kwon showed some confidence by surprising Ga In with a kiss on the lips as well as a tear jerking event that would leave girls swooning and wishing their boyfriends would do the same.

It is still a mystery whether or not Kwon and Ga In are dating in real life, as they did say, if they were to date, it would be in private. This writer approves if it ever happens. And if it does happen, I’m sure the fans wouldn’t mind at all.

As a fan of the show, I would like to thank the Adam Couple for their 1 year and 3 month contribution on We Got Married. Best of luck to both on their future achievements to come. We will miss you!