Spring 2016 – Week 5 Spotlight – The Shanghai International Settlement in Joker Game

The fourth episode of Joker Game had an astonishing setting, both in terms of its historical context and for the presentation of its story.  Yet, how was such a locale and situation even possible for a plot like this?  This episode was set in Shanghai and between 1937 and 1941, during the height of the Second Sino-Japanese War when Japan was invading and controlling large regions of China.  You may be wondering, with war between Japan and China raging across the nation, how was such a setting possible for Joker Game to utilize?  How was a military police unit, Chinese revolutionaries, and America and British citizens able to coexist in such a place with such turmoil and conflict?  This post on the fourth episode of Joker Game attempts to describe all the details and history of the Shanghai International Settlement and why it was such a remarkable setting for this episode’s narrative.

Spring 2016 – Week 4 Spotlight – Understanding Pain in Kiznaiver

After three episodes, we understand that the Kizuna system is able to sense, quantify, transmit, and inflict pain in Kiznaiver.  Pain is the instrument used to connect and unite these seven unfamiliar classmates; it is the foundation for which to improve awareness, understanding, and sympathy within this fragmented society.  But what exactly is pain in Kiznaiver?  Or rather, given the broad and general meaning of pain, what type of pain are the characters dealing with?  Do the members involved in this experiment experience the same perception and reaction to pain?  And just how does this definition and understanding of pain influence the characters and story of this anime?  This post on the third episode of Kiznaiver attempts to better under the characterization and role of pain used in Kiznaiver.

Spring 2016 – First Impressions (Part 4)

This post reviews: Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge, Kiznaiver, Hai-Furi, Flying Witch, Sansha Sanyou, Tonkatsu DJ Agetarou, Kuromukuro, and Big Order.

Spring 2016 – First Impressions (Part 3)

This post reviews: Joker Game, Sousei no Onmyouji, Bungou Stray Dogs, Anne Happy, Koutetsujou no Kabaneri, Sakamoto desu ga?, and Shounen Maid.

Spring 2016 – First Impressions (Part 2)

This post reviews: Kuma Miko, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu, Macross Delta, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn RE:0096, Bakuon!!, and Hundred.

Spring 2016 – First Impressions (Part 1)

This post reviews: Uchuu Patrol Luluco, Mayoiga, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, and Boku no Hero Academia.

Spring 2016 – Season Preview

Spring is truly a time of renaissance, a season when the world awakens from its dormant slumber of winter to period of growth and maturity.  It’s a time when sunlight becomes plentiful, flowers bloom, and animals happily frolic in the fields and forests.  And what could be better than to celebrate the revival of the world than with an entirely new anime season!  Yes, Spring 2016 is already upon us with a brilliant line-up of new and returning anime.  Come, take a preview of Spring 2016 and see how I anticipate with what shows I’ll be spending the next 3 months of my life watching.