Otaku no Podcast &#187; Podcasts

J-List is a peaceful island of Japanese pop culture for you

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Episode #0033 – The Japan Travel Extravaganza, Part 1

The Ghost in the Machine — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:53:51 +0000

Today we begin a series of episodes which I am calling “The Japan Travel Extravaganza!” And as its name implies, we will be talking about travel to Japan, and the various things you can see and do while there. You’ll find out that it’s alot easier and cheaper to do than you might have thought.

Newsflash: Pop Japan Travel (whom we interviewed in this episode) are back and have announced their latest tour!

Sponsor: GoToMeeting with HD Faces makes it easy to collaborate online anytime. Try it Free! Use the promo code “PODCAST”

Today’s Theme: “***Passionate” (***パショナート ***Pashonāto?) by Iori Nomizu; OP to the second season of Is this a Zombie? (aka Kore wa zombie desu ka?). Watch Season 1 on FUNimation’s website (season 2 will start streaming later this spring).

Links:

Our Picks:

Urusei Yatsura (sadly AnimEigo lost the license and it is now out of print)
Planetes
One Piece

Planetes
$34.35

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Episode #0032 – Lost Treasures I – A Chat with Lauren Landa

The Ghost in the Machine — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:37:16 +0000

Introducing a new segment on Otaku no Podcast, “Lost Treasures,” where we unearth audio and/or video that I just plain forgot I had. (Or, more likely, never got around to editing thanks to my legendary inertia.)

In this first installment of "Lost Treasures," we bring you a random but fun chat we had with voice actress Lauren Landa at last year's Anime Five Cities.

Sponsor: GoToMeeting with HD Faces makes it easy to collaborate online anytime. Try it Free! Use the promo code "PODCAST"

Today's Theme: "XTC," Lyrics/Composed by YOFFY, Arranged by Kenichiro Oishi, Performed by PSYCHIC LOVER. 1st OP to the anime Witchblade.

Links:
Pray for Japan: The Charity Screening
AnimeConji March 16-18 at the Town & Country Resort, San Diego, CA
SakuraCon, April 6-8 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle, WA
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, April 14-15 and 21-22 at San Francisco JapanTown
FanimeCon, May 25-28 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, CA
More upcoming anime convention listed here

Deaths:
RIP Steve Jobs
NTV Chair/Anime Film Producer Seiichiro Ujiie Passes Away (Updated)
‘Utena’ voice actress Kawakami Tomoko passes away
Anime Director Osamu Dezaki Passes Away
Cosplay Queen Saya Passes Away
Anime Director/Designer Toyoo Ashida Passes Away
Anime Director Kazuyoshi Yokota Passes Away
Voice Actor/Narrator Junpei Takiguchi Passes Away
Steve Rutt, an Inventor Behind Early Video Animation, Dies at 66
Gene Colan, R.I.P.
Voice Actress Cassandra Hodges Passes Away

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Episode #0031 – 2011 Year in Review (Finally!), Part 2

The Ghost in the Machine — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:22:40 +0000

By now you are no doubt aware of our prime directive here at Otaku no Podcast: "Better late than never." In that spirit, we bring you (finally!) our 2011 Year in Review episode. (Part 2 of 2. Be sure and listen to/download Part 1 as well.)

Sponsor: GoToMeeting with HD Faces makes it easy to collaborate online anytime. Try it Free! Use the promo code "PODCAST"

Music: "Noruniru" (ノルニル?). Lyrics, composition: Tika･α / Arrangement: Naoko Etō / Singing: Etsuko Yakushimaru Metro Orchestra. 1st OP to the 2011 anime Mawaru Penguindrum.

News:
Otaku Call to Action: Help us raise our search rankings and stuff
Pray for Japan: The Charity Screening
Bandai Entertainment to Stop Releasing New DVDs, BDs, Manga
Funimation Sues A.D. Vision, Sentai, Others for US$8 Million
AnimeConji, March 16-18, 2012 at the Town & Country Resort, San Diego, CA

The implosion of Borders:
Borders Delays Payments as Execs Depart; B&N Sales Up
3 More Executives at Borders Store Chain Resign
Borders Negotiates Credit Line, Delays More Payments
U.S. Borders Store Chain Reprieves 5 More Outlets
Borders Chain Seeking Deal to Avoid Store Closures
Direct Brands Parent Agrees to Make Bid for Borders
Books without Borders (a really great article written by a former Borders front liner)
Viz Media, B&N Team Up

The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami:
Our coverage of the earthquake, tsunami and aftermath
Radio Kaikan building
Culture Japan writeup on the Radio Kaikan building

Bill 156:
Comic Market Sets Winter Attendance Record of 520,000
Tokyo Manga Ban Now In Effect
How will the entertainment industry in Japan be affected by Tokyo's "Anti-Otaku" Bill 156?
LDP Petition: Japan's Child Porn Laws Should Apply to Manga/Anime/Games
SOFT POWER HARD TRUTHS / Can fansites help industry's digital survival?
Akamatsu's J-Comi Site Posts Adult Manga Restricted by Tokyo Law

The move to digital distribution:
Netflix's Reed Hastings Expects DVD Rental Decline in Four Years
Netflix Raises Price of DVD and Online Movies Package by 60%
Netflix raising prices as much as 60%
Breaking: Netflix Splits DVD And Streaming Businesses; Creates Qwikster For DVDs
Netflix: Qwikster is No More
Sony Movies Pulled From Netflix Streaming Service Over Starz Contract Issue
Yuji Kamosawa's Japanese Xie Manga Added to Kindle
Yen Press Launches iPad Storefront Application
Animate Puts Play Boy Blues Boys-Love Prologue on Kindle
JManga
JManga Site Lists 12 New Titles
JManga Site Launches with Works Never Printed in U.S.
Akamatsu's J-Comi Site Starts English Beta, iOS App (Updated)
FLCL, Vampire Knight Guilty Put on iTunes Before DVD/BD

AX vs. AM2:
The Battle of the Cons: AX vs. AM2
AM2 Site Hacked

Notable new licenses/releases:
Madoka Magica Sets New 2ch Record!
Mahou Shojo Madoka Magica Discussions
Garden of Sinners' U.S. Debut in San Francisco February 5
1st Live-Action Gantz Film to Get Hollywood Premiere
Gantz Stars to Attend Screenings in Japan, U.S. on Same Day

Our Picks:
Donald – Fruits Basket; Firefly (DVD, Blu-ray); Serenity (DVD, Blu-ray)
Michelle – Hugo (DVD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray)
Danny – Chihayafuru (Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership!); Last Exile – Fam, the Silver Wing; Guilty Crown

Fruits Basket
$31.93

Firefly (DVD)
$24.64

Firefly (Blu-ray)
$54.70

Serenity (DVD)
$5.00

Serenity (Blu-ray)
$9.99

Hugo (DVD)
$14.97

Hugo (Blu-ray)
$19.49

Hugo (3D Blu-ray)
$29.96

J-List is a peaceful island of Japanese pop culture for you

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Episode #0030 – 2011 Year in Review (Finally!), Part 1

The Ghost in the Machine — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:52:36 +0000

By now you are no doubt aware of our prime directive here at Otaku no Podcast: "Better late than never." In that spirit, we bring you (finally!) our 2011 Year in Review episode. (Part 1 of 2)

Sponsor: GoToMeeting with HD Faces makes it easy to collaborate online anytime. Try it Free! Use the promo code "PODCAST"

Music: "Boys, Come Back to Me" (少年よ我に帰れ Shōnen yo Ware ni Kaere?). Lyrics, composition: Tika･α / Arrangement: Kenji Kondō / Singing: Etsuko Yakushimaru Metro Orchestra. 2nd OP to the 2011 anime Mawaru Penguindrum.

News:
Pray for Japan: The Charity Screening
Bandai Entertainment to Stop Releasing New DVDs, BDs, Manga
Funimation Sues A.D. Vision, Sentai, Others for US$8 Million
AnimeConji, March 16-18, 2012 at the Town & Country Resort, San Diego, CA

Deaths:
RIP Steve Jobs
NTV Chair/Anime Film Producer Seiichiro Ujiie Passes Away (Updated)
‘Utena’ voice actress Kawakami Tomoko passes away Anime Director Osamu Dezaki Passes Away
Cosplay Queen Saya Passes Away
Anime Director/Designer Toyoo Ashida Passes Away
Anime Director Kazuyoshi Yokota Passes Away
Voice Actor/Narrator Junpei Takiguchi Passes Away
Steve Rutt, an Inventor Behind Early Video Animation, Dies at 66
Gene Colan, R.I.P.
Voice Actress Cassandra Hodges Passes Away

The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami:
Our coverage of the earthquake, tsunami and aftermath
Radio Kaikan building
Culture Japan writeup on the Radio Kaikan building

AX vs. AM2:
The Battle of the Cons: AX vs. AM2
AM2 Site Hacked

Fruits Basket
$31.93

Firefly (DVD)
$24.64

Firefly (Blu-ray)
$54.70

Serenity (DVD)
$5.00

Serenity (Blu-ray)
$9.99

Hugo (DVD)
$14.97

Hugo (Blu-ray)
$19.49

Hugo (3D Blu-ray)
$29.96

Episode #0029 – SOPA and PIPA in a Nutshell

The Ghost in the Machine — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:53:27 +0000

In light of last week’s mass protest against SOPA and PIPA, two destructive pieces of legislation winding their way through Congress, I thought it would be a good idea to examine in closer detail the issues that are at stake. There is a lot of good information out there; but there is also a lot of FUD, rumors, and just plain nonsense. One of my favorite podcasts recently discussed this issue in great detail, but framed in easy to understand language, and they have graciously allowed me to rebroadcast this segment on the Otaku no Podcast feed. I believe it deserves a listen.

In this segment Nosillacast host Allison Sheridan and her co-host Bart dissect the technical ramifications of SOPA and PIPA, discuss the issues at stake, and explain why we must continue to remain vigilant.

Today’s Theme: “Sky Clad Observer,” by Kanako Itō, OP to the 2011 anime Steins;gate. Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership!

Sponsor: MozyPro Online Backup: Simple, Automatic & Secure Backup: http://mozy.com/pro

Links:

Otaku no Podcast has its first sponsor!
Nosillacast #349 iBooks Author, Omnifocus, LIST!, iHandy Level, Silicone iPhone Cases, SOPA/PIPA
Threat of “Son of SOPA” Legislation Still Looms Despite Huge Protest
Son of SOPA/PIPA – HR1981 attacking internet privacy – heads toward House vote
Stop American Censorship
Video: PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)

J-List is a peaceful island of Japanese pop culture for you

Episode #0028 – PMX 2011

Donald Burr — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:28:55 +0000

In this episode, the Otaku no Podcast crew get together and give their impressions and review of Pacific Media Expo (aka PMX) 2011. And, of course, we also bust out the anime picks.

Sorry for the delay in getting this episode out (as well as the delay in getting out our other PMX coverage in general). Blame it on a combination of a rather nasty case of Con Plague, an extra busy month of work, and the Thanksgiving holiday.

Today’s Theme: “Oath Sign,” by LiSA, OP to the 2011 anime Fate/zero. Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership!

Links to stuff that we talked about:

Otaku no Podcast YouTube channel (PMX videos are finally starting to go up)
Photo Gallery (PMX photos will be going up as well)
Notes, slides and video from our podcasting and photography panels
Doing some holiday shopping? Let us help you with that…
The 12 Days of Kurisumasu (last year’s post, but the link is the same)
Otaku no Podcast app updated to version 2.1
SongTweeter
Pray for Japan (watch the trailer)
Allegiance – A New American Musical
We Heart Japan
Comikaze Expo
Codenamed: Epic
Guidebook App for iOS, Android, Windows Phone 7 and BlackBerry
PMX Charity Roast of Sir Richard Epcar to benefit Lupus LA
Video #0012 – A First Look at ComiPo! (Updated)
Google SketchUp

Our Picks:

Me – Clannad (DVD, Blu-ray); STEINS;GATE (Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership!); Mawaru Penguindrum; Ready Player One (book, audiobook)
Michelle – Culture Japan and Otaku-Verse Zero (Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership!); Canon Vixia HF R20 Full HD Camcorder; Zoom H2 Handy Recorder; Acer Aspire One AO722-0473 11.6-Inch HD Netbook
Avi – Chihayafuru (Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership!), Mirai Nikki (aka Future Diary)

Clannad (DVD)
$48.28

Clannad (Blu-ray)
$50.95

Ready Player One
$14.30

Ready Player One (Audiobook)
-

Canon VIXIA HFR20 Camcorder
$395.99

Zoom H2 Handy Recorder
$142.77

Acer Aspire One Netbook
$335.48

Episode #0027 – Otakuthon 2011 – Stu Levy talks about “Pray for Japan”

The Ghost in the Machine — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:24:07 +0000

Otakuthon 2011 has come to an end. Thanks to everyone who participated! It went very well IMHO, and we will definitely be doing something like this again.

In this, our first excerpt from the Otakuthon, we sit down with Stu Levy to talk about his latest project, the documentary film Pray for Japan.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting more excerpts from the Otakuthon.

Today’s Theme: “Asunaro,” by Ken’ichi Suzumura. ED to the Summer 2011 anime Heaven’s Memo Pad (Kamisama no Memocho). Watch it on The Anime Network.

Links:
New Audio-only and Video-only Podcast Feeds are now available
Video #0012 – A First Look at ComiPo! (Updated)
New York Anime Festival, October 13-16, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, 655 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
Anime Vegas, November 11-13, at the Alexis Park Hotel, 375 E. Harmon Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Pacific Media Expo, November 11-13, at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, 5711 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Pray for Japan on Facebook
Pray for Japan on Twitter
Pray for Japan on Kickstarter
Pray for Japan official trailer

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Episode #0026 – Anime Expo 2011 Interviews – Maki-san of Obitsu

The Ghost in the Machine — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:25:53 +0000

We conclude our Anime Expo 2011 interviews with a chat with Maki-san from the doll maker Obitsu. We talk about Obitsu’s products as well as their plans for the future.

This concludes our series of Anime Expo 2011 interviews, but is not the end of our AX 2011 coverage. There are still some videos that we’ll be putting up, as well as photos, so keep an eye on our YouTube channel as well as our photo gallery.

Today’s Theme: “Kawaru Mirai,” by Choucho. OP to the Summer 2011 anime Heaven’s Memo Pad (Kamisama no Memochou), now streaming on the Anime Network.

Episode #0025 – Anime Expo 2011 Interviews – Peter Payne of J-List

The Ghost in the Machine — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:39:52 +0000

Our Anime Expo 2011 interviews continue! Today we interview Peter Payne, founder and head honcho of one of my favorite online sellers of stuff, J-List. Be sure and check out their incredible catalog over at J-List (includes adult/NSFW products) or J-Box (just the PG-rated ones).

Today’s Theme: “Sweet Drop,” by Puffy AmiYumi, OP to the Summer 2011 anime Usagi Drop (Bunny Drop). Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership today!

J-List is a peaceful island of Japanese pop culture for you

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Episode #0024 – Anime Expo 2011 Interviews – Taliesin Jaffe

The Ghost in the Machine — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:33:38 +0000

Our Anime Expo 2011 interviews continue! Today we interview the multitalented Taliesin Jaffe, where we talk about some of his various projects, as well as a road trip of epic proportions.

Episode #0023 – Anime Expo 2011 Interviews – Fred Gallagher of MegaTokyo

The Ghost in the Machine — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:05:18 +0000

We begin our Anime Expo 2011 interviews with a chat with webcomic artist Fred Gallagher of MegaTokyo.

I recently made a guest appearance on the Nigorimasen podcast. Go listen to it today!

Today’s Theme: “Stone Cold” by FictionJunction. OP for the Summer 2011 anime Sacred Seven. Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership!

No related posts.

Episode #0022 – Anime Expo 2011 (Part 2)

The Ghost in the Machine — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 17:56:09 +0000

We conclude our coverage of Anime Expo 2011 with part 2 of our usual panel-style review/wrapup of doom. Anime Expo 2011 coverage will be coming out over the next few weeks, as I have tons and tons of audio, video and photos to go through, not to mention all of the news and announcements that came out at the con!

Today’s Theme: “Magia,” by Kalafina, the ED of the anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

Links to things we talked about:

Stitcher SmartRadio app
Otaku no Podcast YouTube channel
California Conventions Blog
AM2 Con Blog Hacked, Con Still On
The Battle of the Cons: Anime Expo vs. AM2
AM2 Sets a Record in 1st Year Convention Attendance and Celebrates the End of Its 2011 Event with the All Girl J-Rock Band Scandal
Convention Report: AM2
So How Did AM2 Fare on the Same Weekend as AX 2011?
Virgin Mobile MiFi 2200 Mobile Hotspot
Pray for Japan (Facebook, Trailer on YouTube, Kickstarter)
Japan fundraiser brings kids into the fold
PIAPRO
Mikubook
Mikunopolis
Otaku no Podcast YouTube channel with video from Mikunopolis
OtakuVerse Zero
Culture Japan on Crunchyroll (Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership!)
NicoNico
Crunchyroll (Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership!)
Win MsGeek’s NicoNico T-shirt
Crunchyroll Dance Party
Gallery of Fantastic Art (GoFA)
Guidebook (get the free app on iTunes or Android Marketplace)
SCHED
AX Live (view past episodes on YouTube)
AMV contest winners
Masquerade Winners

Our Picks:

Donald – K-ON! Volume 1 ( DVD, Blu-ray); Volume 2 ( DVD, Blu-ray); Volume 3 due to be released sometime later this year; Highschool of the Dead (on DVD, Blu-ray and ); Midori Days; Haruhi AniPoke App for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad (free on the ); Nagato AniPoke app ; Mikuru AniPoke app ; Ramen Fighter Miki on Crunchyroll (Get a Crunchyroll Premium Membership!); Square
Avi – Puella Magi Madoka Magica (license announced at Aniplex’s AX panel; due out sometime in October)
Michelle – Pray for Japan (Facebook, Trailer on YouTube, Kickstarter); Apple iPod touch 8GB MP3 Player (4th Generation – Latest Model) – Black; Otaku USA Magazine
Danny – The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya; Trigun: Badlands Rumble

J-List is a peaceful island of Japanese pop culture for you

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Episode #0021 – Anime Expo 2011 (Part 1)

The Ghost in the Machine — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 23:48:20 +0000

We begin our coverage of Anime Expo 2011 with part 1 of our usual panel-style review/wrapup of doom. Anime Expo 2011 coverage will be coming out over the next few weeks, as I have tons and tons of audio, video and photos to go through, not to mention all of the news and announcements that came out at the con!

Today’s Theme: “Cagayake! GIRLS,” the theme to K-ON! Season 1, as performed by the Vocaloids. Be sure and check out the super-cool VOCA-ON! remake of the K-ON! opening animation with Vocaloid characters instead of the usual K-ON! girls!

Links to things we talked about:

Our Picks:

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Episode #0020 – Convention Survival Guide, 2011 Edition

The Ghost in the Machine — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:43:40 +0000

Well, the summer con season is in full swing, and as usual, we’re late to the party This week we give an update to our famous convention survival tips, which should hopefully help you have a more enjoyable con-going experience. And of course we bust out our favorite anime picks as well.

Today’s Theme Song: “FIGHT OR FLIGHT,” by Yū Kobayashi. Second ED to the anime Dragonaut: The Resonance.

Our Picks:

Michelle:
- There is a ton of anime available to watch online, completely legally and (oftentimes) for free. Some of our favorites include Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Crackle. Also, many anime distributors run their own streams.
- Animation Runner Kuromi
Me:
- K-ON!
- Clannad and Clannad: After Story
- Royal Space Force – Wings of Honneamise

Clannad: After Story – Complete Collection [4 Discs] -

Includes:Clannad After Story: Episode 11 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 10 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 9 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 8 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 6 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 4 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 18 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 17 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 16 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 15 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 14 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 13 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 12 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 1 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 3 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 2 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 24 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 23 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 22 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 21 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 20 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 19 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 5 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 7 (2009) Clannad After Story: Episode 11 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 10 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 9 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 8 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 6 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 4 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 18 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 17 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 16 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 15 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 14 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 13 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 12 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 1 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 3 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 2 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 24 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 23 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 22 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 21 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 20 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 19 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 5 No synopsis available. Clannad After Story: Episode 7 No synopsis available.

TEST LINK: Clannad Complete Collection

Help with the recovery effort by donating

Episode #0019 – Japan Disaster News Recap

The Ghost in the Machine — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:01:46 +0000

In this episode of Otaku no Podcast, we briefly review and talk about the news surrounding the horrible earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan two weeks ago.

Show notes coming soon; please check the Otaku no Podcast website in a day or 2.

Today’s Theme Song: “M/elody” by Shion Tsuji, ending theme of the anime Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Errata: I had incorrectly stated that the “We Heart Japan” event raised $75,000 for the relief effort. They actually raised $7,500. I was off by a magnitude of 10. Still, for such a hastily-organized event (3 days!), this is quite an achievement. They have other events planned as well, so keep an eye on the “We Heart Japan” website (as well as Otaku no Podcast) for details as they come out.

J-List is a peaceful island of Japanese pop culture for you

Episode #0018 – Anime LA 2011 Review

Donald Burr — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:38:20 +0000

The Otaku no Podcast crew are back from Anime Los Angeles and give their usual panel-style review of this convention.

Music: Main Menu theme from Shira Oka: Second Chances

Our Picks:

Donald
- Project Blue Earth SOS
  - Buy it on DVD or Amazon Video-on-Demand
  - Watch it on ANN
- Shira Oka: Second Chances
  - Official site
  - Download the free demo (both Mac and PC)
  - Buy the game for Windows or Mac
Michelle
- Summer Wars
  - Official site
  - Find showtimes near you
  - Pre-order on DVD or Blu-ray (release date is Feb. 15)
- Evangelion 2.22 You can (Not) Advance
  - Official site
  - Find showtimes near you
  - Pre-order on DVD or Blu-ray (release date is Apr 5)
Danny
- Nodame Cantabile
- Dirty Pair: The Original TV Series
  - Part 1 (available now)
  - Part 2 (pre-order, will be released on Feb. 8 )

Our Plugs:

Donald
- Anime-Planet
- Otaku no Podcast’s YouTube channel
Michelle
- Assimilation Media (nothing there yet, coming soon!)
- Cartoon Geeks
Danny
- ANN
Pam
- The Starving Economist

Project Blue Earth SOS
$18.57

Summer Wars (DVD)
$14.97

Summer Wars (Blu-ray)
$17.96

Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance (DVD)
$14.93

Evangelion: 2.22 You Can (Not) Advance (Blu-ray)
$16.46

Dirty Pair (Part 1)
$31.43

Dirty Pair (Part 2)
$31.93

J-List is a peaceful island of Japanese pop culture for you

Episode #0017 – 2010 Year in Review, Anime Style – Part 2: Rebirth

Donald Burr — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 04:41:05 +0000

The Otaku no Podcast crew conclude their look back at the year 2010 – anime style. Be sure and listen to Part 1 as well! (Part 2 of 2)

Today’s Theme: “My Soul, Your Beats!” (GirlsDeMo version), the theme song used in episode 4 of Angel Beats!

Stories/products we discussed:

Android users – Schedule your Anime-LA day with ConDroyd
Satoshi Kon’s last words
Osaka Bans Boys Love Manga as “Harmful Publications” – Tokyo is Next…
K-ON! – Season 1 has been licensed by Bandai and should be coming out sometime in early to mid 2011; you can watch Season 2 now via fansub.
- OMG! Real Life Ritsuko Tainaka!
Eden of the East (on DVD and Blu-ray)
Hetalia Axis Powers
Summer Wars (on DVD and Blu-ray)
Evangelion reboot
- Evangelion 1.11 – You Are Not Alone (on DVD and Blu-ray)
- Evangelion 2.22 – You Can (Not) Advance (on DVD and Blu-ray)
Strike Witches
- The War on Pants!
- Strike Witches – The War on Pants Continues!
- Strike Witches – Inglorious Pantsters Edition
Angel Beats!
Kanon
Highschool of the Dead
Arakawa under the Bridge (season 1, season 2)
The Tatami Galaxy
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
House of Five Leaves
Shi Ki
Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
Squid Girl
Amagami SS
Kimi ni Todoke
Bakuman
Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai
Star Driver Kagayaki no Takuto
The World God Only Knows
Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt
Tron: Legacy

TRON: Legacy (DVD)
$14.40

TRON: Legacy (Blu-Ray DVD Combo)
$19.96

Episode #0016 – 2010 Year in Review, Anime Style – Part 1: Death

Donald Burr — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:04:15 +0000

The Otaku no Podcast crew take a look back at the year 2010 – anime style. (Part 1 of 2)

Opening Theme: “Hotaru no Hikari,” the Japanese version of the traditional New Years song Auld Lang Syne. Traditionally sung by Japanese students at graduation and the end of the school day, it is also sung as the closing song for Japan’s Kohaku Uta Gassen end-of-year singing contest spectacle. Watch it here!

Links/stories we discussed:

Episode #0015 – PMX 2010

The Ghost in the Machine — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:00:21 +0000

The Otaku no Podcast crew are back from Pacific Media Expo (aka PMX) and give their usual panel-style discussion/review of doom, as well as the traditional anime picks – with a twist.

Today’s Theme Music: “Mirai Mechanism” by vividblaze; the theme song for Danny Choo‘s TV show Culture: Japan. Be sure and check out the cool time-lapse video shot at various locales in Japan!

Our Picks:

Me - Squid Girl (aka Shinryaku! Ika Musume) (streaming on Crunchyroll); Zatoichi (stream it, rent it, or buy it on DVD or Blu-ray)
Michelle - The Grand Chef and Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt (both streaming on Crunchyroll)
Danny and Amy – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1; Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee (streaming on Crunchyroll)

Other Stuff:

Otaku no Podcast’s YouTube channel (a few PMX videos up already; PMX highlights video coming soon!)
Otaku no Podcast’s Qik channel (a few PMX videos from our livestreaming test are up here, including CosFest)
I’m working on my PMX photos and am uploading them as I process them. Check out the Otaku no Podcast Photo Gallery.
My post gathering up links to other peoples’ PMX photos and videos
Anime Los Angeles 2011
The 12 Days of Kurisumasu

Zatoichi (DVD)
$8.84

Zatoichi (Blu-ray)
$45.00

J-List is a peaceful island of Japanese pop culture for you

Episode #0014 – Dolls 101

The Ghost in the Machine — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 04:52:03 +0000

You’ve probably started seeing them appearing at anime conventions, and were wondering what that’s all about. Well, in this episode of Otaku no Podcast, we talk about this latest trend that’s sweeping through American otaku fandom – the world of dolls.

Today’s theme: “No, Thank You!”, K-ON!! (2nd season) ED #2

Different types of dolls

Asian fashion dolls
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_fashion_doll (This actually includes Pullip and Blythe)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pullip
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blythe_%28doll%29
- both Obitsu and Volks, who make vinyl dolls, also make Asian fashion dolls.
Asian ball joint dolls (ABJDs)made of resin, has removable/replaceable eyes and removable/replaceable wigs, some have removable/replaceable face plates, are strung with elastic.
- This is the criteria for on-topic dolls at Den of Angels, the largest site for discussion of ABJDs and Asian Vinyl Armature Dolls.
- http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php?42407-Criteria-for-Dolls-quot-On-Topic-quot-for-DoA-%28Updated-7-7-08%29
Asian vinyl armature dolls (My term for Volks Dollfie Dream and Obitsu large scale dolls.) Skinned with soft(ish) vinyl, interior has hard plastic armature. Mini Dollfie Dreams do NOT have a continuous hard plastic armature, the hard plastic joints fit directly into the vinyl pieces one by one. MDD is the only kind of AVAD constructed this way and it’s sort of weak. All Obitsus and the Dollfie Dream and Dollfie Dream Dynamite have continuous skeletons where the hard pieces fit into each other and form a solid skeleton underneath the vinyl “skin” pieces.
The various companies
- Volks http://www.volksusa.com/
- Obitsu/Parabox http://www.parabox.jp/eng/
- Obitsu Company site: http://www.obitsu.co.jp/eng/index.html
- Junky Spot, an online store that ships to the US and Canada. They carry Obitsu, Bobobie, Resinsoul, Dollzone, Souldoll, and several others. http://www.junkyspot.com/
They aren’t figures, they’re dolls.
Tips and tricks, gotcha’s, things to watch out for, etc.
- like, you mentioned that you can sometimes use clothes/accessories made for other types of dolls (Barbie, etc.), to save a buck
- where did you get Z’s guitar? American Girl Place, The Grove, Los Angeles, CA, US http://www.americangirl.com/index.php American Girl has lots of props that will work for 1/3 scale dolls (big dolls like Dollfie Dream and Obitsu 50cm and 60cm) and some 1/4 scale dolls as well.
- Much of my dolliez stuff is from eBay…truly your friend. Also once you get Marketplace access at Den of Angels that’s an incredible resource. Keep your eye out in toy stores for clothing/accessories for Best Friends Club: clothes fit Mini Dollfie Dream and MSD-size resin dolls
Some doll resources
- where to buy dolls and their accessories
- The only brick and mortar stores I know of here in LA are American Girl Place and Volks Tenshi no Sumika in LA (actually in Torrance) http://site.volksusa.com/html/files/info.html
- Sites with other/general info
- Den of Angels (may or may not be allowing new members, if not, retry a few times a month) http://www.denofangels.com/forums/index.php
- Dollieh Sanctuary (All dolls allowed! Friendly place!) http://www.dolliehsanctuary.com/sanctuary/
- Figure.FM (a real man cave for figure/doll fans, started by Danny Choo) http://www.figure.fm/
- Some cool doll peeps to follow
- Danny Choo http://www.dannychoo.com/
  - Danny Choo’s tour of Volks Japan:http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/25832/Volks+Store.html
- Doll.fm
- Chun http://puppy52dolls.com/
- Wolfheinrich http://tcwenterprise.com/wordpress/ (Occasionally gets ecchi, another man cave kind of site)
- Mr. Postman http://www.cobrora.com/doll_main.html
Links:

Our Picks:

Donald: Rozen Maiden (also streaming on FUNimation), Seikimatsu Occult Academy (streaming on Crunchyroll), Kimi ni Todoke
Michelle: Webcomic “Acrylic Eyes” http://www.acrylic-eyes.com/, Ghost in the Shell 2 – Innocence, Summer Wars (YouTube trailer – will be released by FUNimation sometime next year)

JList:

Episode #0013 (Part 2) – Anime Expo 2010

Donald Burr — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:16:59 +0000

NOTE: This is a 2-part episode. Be sure and download both parts! (In particular, most iTunes installations are set to only download the latest episode if it detects more than one new episode is available.)

Here at long last is our Anime Expo 2010 review episode of doom. I bring you but a small sampling of the news that came out of the convention, as well as our famous Panel Discussions of Doom(TM) where we talked about AX, what we liked, what we didn’t like, and our thoughts on the event. We’ve also got an interview with Ejen Chuang of Cosplay in America who recently put out an awesome cosplay photography book. And, as always, we bring you the freshest, coolest anime picks.

Today’s Opening Music: “Lion,” Megumi Nakajima & May’n. One of the opening themes of the excellent anime Macross Frontier.

AX 2010 Coverage – ANN and Japanator. AX 2010 Photo Galleries: ANN (cosplay, exhibit hall/around the con); Japanator (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6) Cosplay in America

Our picks:

Me – Highschool of the Dead, Evangelion 1.11 – You are Not Alone (DVD, Blu-ray), Cosplay in America, K-ON! (will be released by Bandai) Danny – Durarara!, Heroman Michelle – Hetalia Axis Powers, Eden of the East (DVD, Blu-ray)

J-List is a peaceful island of Japanese pop culture for you

Episode #0013 – Anime Expo 2010

Donald Burr — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:34:20 +0000

Today’s Opening Music: “Lion,” Megumi Nakajima & May’n. One of the opening themes of the excellent anime Macross Frontier.

AX 2010 Coverage – ANN and Japanator. AX 2010 Photo Galleries: ANN (cosplay, exhibit hall/around the con); Japanator (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6) Cosplay in America

Our picks:

Episode #0012 – Convention Survival Guide

Donald Burr — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:43:06 +0000

Welcome to a very ghetto episode of Otaku no Podcast. I say “ghetto” because I am doing NO editing whatsoever in this episode. That’s because it’s past 4 AM on the morning I’m supposed to be leaving for FanimeCon. Actually I was supposed to leave last night but wasn’t able to get my act together (way too many last minute things, not to mention packing, etc.). So you’ll hear a lot of “umm”s and “ahh”s, and me being scatterbrained in general, because, well, it’s frakkin’ 4 AM and I’m TIRED. (Normally I try and edit out as much of this as I can, to save your sanity.)

But I wanted to get an episode out to you anyway, to talk about FanimeCon, but also I figured that since summer con season is starting up, it might be a good idea to gather together our best convention survival tips. These are the tips and tricks that have saved us from many a ride on the FailBus and have helped us better enjoy our time at anime conventions. Hopefully they will help you as well.

Of course, being past 4am and all, the big idiot (i.e. me) forgot to mention that he will be hosting not one, but TWO panels/workshops at FanimeCon; one on podcasting (“Anime Podcasting for n00bs” and one on con photography (“Con Photography: Shoot to Win!”). But if you’ve been paying attention, you’d know this already…

Today’s music: “STARGAZER ~ Hoshi no Tobira” by Negishi Satori (ending theme for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: STARGAZER)

Episode #0011 – Fansub Battle Royale!

Donald Burr — Mon, 03 May 2010 02:34:01 +0000

A big wave of controversy hit the anime scene recently, thanks to a blog posting by Bang Zoom president Eric Sherman, basically railing against fansubbers and anime pirates for ruining the industry. Well we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to comment on this. So strap yourself in and get ready for a… controversial show!

Be sure and check the Otaku no Podcast website for full show notes, including links to the stories we discuss, as well as our picks!

Today’s Opening Music: “Northern Cross,” by May’n (2nd ending theme from the anime Macross Frontier)

Stories that we discuss:

Anime – R.I.P. Bang Zoom says anime is going to die — is it true? (response to Bang Zoom article from Japanator) Anime Die When They Are Killed (another response from Japanator) Fansub (Wikipedia article) DMCA notices BayTSP using crawlers in order to obtain ip’s from torrents and to send DMCA…. Odex’s actions against file-sharing Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (Wikipedia article) ACTA treaty aims to deputize ISPs on copyrights France passes harsh anti-P2P three-strikes law (again) Digital Economy Act likely to increase households targeted for piracy Australian Government fails again on Internet Censorship ADV Fansubs Announces City Hunter 2 Pre-order Largest US Anime Distributor Goes BitTorrent Crunchyroll creates more ripples throughout anime industry Big Swoop for Crunchyroll Blockbuster Goes Bankrupt In Portugal, Blames Piracy Take-Two blames piracy for poor GTA: Chinatown Wars sales US government finally admits most piracy estimates are bogus Oops: MPAA admits college piracy numbers grossly inflated Fair Use Generates $4.7 Trillion For US Economy Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem

Leiji Matsumoto Daft Punk music video Nine Inch Nails Lays Raw Concert Footage on Fans Congress Asks NBC Why Hulu Blocked Boxee Crunchyroll app now available in Boxee The Pirate Anime FAQ JList (definitely NSFW) and JBox (SFW) PowerAnime

Our Picks:

Me – Bubblegum Crisis, HEROMAN, Angel Beats!, Air Video

Dave – Daemon, Freedom(TM)

Michelle – Daria, Hetalia Axis Powers, Sita Sings the Blues, Ursei Yatsura

DJ City/DJ Gladiator – Ikimonogakari, Blue Bird, Nostalgia, Best Hit NARUTO (w/ DVD, Limited Pressing), Sour music video

Plugs:

Me – DonaldBurr.com. Come see my panel at FanimeCon, May 28-31, 2010! (Look for “Anime Podcasting for n00bs” in the program guide – current preliminary schedule has us on Sunday at 12 noon)

Michelle – Cartoon Geeks, Cartoon Brew

Dave – Later Stars (use invite code: OTAKU)

DJ City/DJ Gladiator – TJX – The Japan Xperience

J-List is a peaceful island of Japanese pop culture for you

Episode #0028 – PMX 2011

Episode #0010 – Convention Photography 101

Donald Burr — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 21:58:57 +0000

No, unfortunately, this isn’t Part 2 of “Anime on the Cheap” that I’ve been promising. Things have been just too hectic and I haven’t been able to finish the research for this. However, I think you’ll like this just the same. Think of it as a special Winter Holiday Season present from us to you.

We’re coming up on a new year, which means of course a new year of Anime Conventions! And what do we like to do at anime conventions? (Besides the obvious of course) Take PICTURES!!! To that end, friend of the show Dave “KirinDave” Fayram and I, being enthusiastic amateur photographers, decided to get together and share some of our favorite tips and techniques for getting those awesome cosplay shots that everybody fawns over.

Speaking of conventions, Anime Los Angeles is coming up real soon now… Friday through Sunday, January 8-10, 2010, to be precise. Perhaps I will see you there? (look for the clueless looking guy handing out Otaku no Podcast business cards…)

Today’s Theme: “Shutter Speed” by Shinkichi Mitsumune (opening theme for the US release of Speed Grapher) (Fun fact: the ‘real’ theme for Speed Grapher is “Girls on Film” by Duran Duran; however, FUNimation was unable to secure rights to the song for the US release of Speed Grapher.)

Cameras: Point and Shoot – Canon PowerShot G11, Panasonic Lumix LX3, Sigma DP2 DSLR – Canon Digital Rebel XS, Nikon D40 Micro 4/3 – Olympus E-P2

Lenses: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Nikon 50mm f/1.8D Canon EF 35mm f/2 Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF (for Canon) (for Nikon) Photojojo Fisheye Lens Adapter

Flashes: Canon Speedlite 580EX II Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash Orbis ring flash

Bags/Straps/Etc.: Domke F-5XB Blackrapid RS-4 Scott E Vest photo vests

Books: The Digital Photography Book, by Scott Kelby. A good book about digital photography, done in a “cookbook” style – rather than going into lengthy discussions of exposure theory and ISO and whatnot, a particular type of picture is presented with the “recipe” (type of lens, camera settings, any special gear required, etc.) for getting that type of shot. The Digital Photography Companion, by Derrick Story. A good general purpose digital photography book. The Hot Shoe Diaries, by Joe McNally. Joe McNally is one of the premier authorities on the use of small strobes for creative lighting.

Websites: Photography Exposure Basics Strobist – another excellent resource for those interested in exploring the creative lighting possibilities of small off-camera strobes. LensRentals.com – one of the best gear rental sites I’ve found. Great selection, great prices, absolutely stellar service. One guy’s outrageous portable lighting rig CHDK – free third-party firmware for many Canon point-and-shoots that enhances their functionality by adding many controls such as shutter-priority, aperture-priority, RAW, live histogram, and more

Our Picks: Me – The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu (season 1) (season 2), Denno Coil Dave – Time of Eve, Kurosaki Corpse Delivery Service

Our Links: Me – DonaldBurr.com, Twitter Dave – Flickr, Tumblr, Twitter, XKCD Explained

Episode #0009a – Repost of Anime on the Cheap, Part 1

Donald Burr — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:24:55 +0000

If you haven’t read my recent blog posting, I’ve been out sick for the past 2 weeks or so with what can only be described as “the Martian Death Flu.” It was nasty, and had me completely bed ridden, didn’t even have the energy to pick up the laptop most days. In fact I’m still not 100% over it, I still have a nasty cough and my voice is hoarse, but other than that I’m pretty much back to normal. I’m hopeful that the cough will go away in a few days.

I’m working on the next episode, which of course will feature Part 2 of my look into how to get “anime on the cheap” – hopefully I’ll be able to record and release that in the next day or so. Since it’s been so long since the last podcast, and since I probably have some new listeners thanks to the publicity I got at BlogWorld and through Leo Laporte’s radio show, I decided to re-release Part 1 of Anime on the Cheap by itself, so here it is.

Links mentioned in this segment:

Inari sushi – a tasty, cheap, relatively easy to prepare, vegetarian-friendly dish great for anime get-togethers
The Anime Network
Netflix
Blockbuster
RentAnime
GreenCine
DVDAvenue
Zip.ca
Webflicks
AnimeTakeout and MangaTakeout
AnimeLane
Amazon
The Right Stuf
Deep Discount
eBay and Half.com
The Pirate Anime FAQ

Episode #0009 – Anime on the Cheap, Part 1

Donald Burr — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:20:50 +0000

(Note: yes, I announced the date of this episode as Monday, September 21. I really did intend to release it on that day, honest! Oh well, better late than never, I suppose!)

Pretty much everybody agrees that we are indeed going through some troubling times, economy wise. Most everyone is feeling the pinch of the global recession, and we’re all looking at cutting our expenses. So how do we feed our need for anime in these lean times, without breaking the bank? I explore this topic in the first of two segments I’m calling “Anime on the Cheap.” We also go through the latest anime news, including – of course – Weird Japan. And I have a few treats for you as well, so be sure and stick around till the very end!

Intro music: “Don’t say ‘lazy’,” Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Youko, Satou Satomi, Kotobuki Minako (K-On! ED theme)

Followups to previous news items:

News:

Con News:

Weird Japan:

Main Event:

Inari sushi – a tasty, cheap, relatively easy to prepare, vegetarian-friendly dish great for anime get-togethers
The Anime Network
Netflix
Blockbuster
RentAnime
GreenCine
DVDAvenue
Zip.ca
Webflicks
AnimeTakeout and MangaTakeout
AnimeLane
Amazon
The Right Stuf
Deep Discount
eBay and Half.com
The Pirate Anime FAQ

Cool Finds:

Episode #0008 – San Diego Comic-Con 2009

The Ghost in the Machine — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:09:54 +0000

Once again, I have convened one of our famous Panel Discussions of Doom(tm). This time, our topic du jour is a look back at the recently-held San Diego Comic-Con 2009. And we’re joined by a new guest this time! We also go over a few news items (this is a “news lite” show – I wanted to get the Comic-Con discussion out ASAP), but I still manage to squeeze some “Weird Japan” into the mix. And I also debut a new segment as well – be sure and listen for it!

News:

Weird Japan:

Comic-Con Recap:

ANIME! High Art – Pop Culture exhibit at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
- Running now through Sunday, August 23, 2009

Picks:

Danny – Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, Hayate no Gotoku! (Season 1 on DVD, Season 2 on Crunchyroll), G.I. Joe A Real American Hero: Season 1.1

Dave: The Mighty Boosh (info page on Adult Swim website)

Me: Ghost Hound

Cool finds of the week:

Plugs: