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What does the JET expansion mean for Japan?
A few days ago, Josh brought word that the ruling Japanese political party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is planning to more than double the JET program over the next three years. All of this is part of Prime Minister Abe's plan to globalize the Japanese workforce -- they see a greater need for English education amongst its populace. Show More Summary
So this is where Dragon's Crown's great menu comes from
See that sweet scene up in the header? That's the frankly awesome-looking character-select menu from Dragon's Crown, a game worked on by Vanillaware and its lead artist George Kamitani.
Cool menus like that don't come from just anywhere,...Show More Summary
A Daily Dose of Music: Old School Thursdays
You know, I think I may have posted this song a while back, but it's so good I don't really care. Utada Hikaru's hit single from 1999, First Love has been on my mind for a few weeks now, and been what I've been belting out in the shower the last few days. Show More Summary
Slice of life: Sunny manga grabbed by VIZ Media
If you're a fan of slice of life, here's a thing for you. Sunny, by Taiyo Matsumoto, has been grabbed by VIZ Media and translated by Michael Arias (producer: The Animatrix). The release of the first volume of this manga will be May 21st,...Show More Summary
Superhero Time: True power comes from having a 2D lover
Don't let anyone get in the way of your 2D romance, because it can act as a great tool to overcome any obstacle! The best thing that can come out if this type of love is that your burning passion to protect your lover will grant youShow More Summary
Have a look at some Kill-La-Kill character designs
Thanks to the power of people on the internet getting things early, we now have a really fantastic look at some of the character designs for Trigger's Kill-La-Kill.
Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and written by Kazuki Nakashima, Kill-La-Kill...Show More Summary
Moonspeak: Maou-sama and Gargantia's languages cracked
Ah, fantasy. You know it's a fantasy world (including the fantasy of science-fiction) when the world in question has its very own made-up gibberish language. This spring in particular is rife with them, and the two most notable are The...Show More Summary
That was fast: Masoukishin 3 launches its first trailer
It's only been a few long hours since Masoukishin 3 was leaked in Famitsu, and Namco Bandai has already uploaded the first trailer for Super Robot Wars OG Saga Masoukishin III: Pride of Justice. Overall, the full bodied robot animations...Show More Summary
Captain Harlock sets a date for his return
Leiji Matsumoto's legendary space pirate has finally locked in a solid release date for his triumphant return. It looks like we'll finally be feasting our eyes on a 3D version of Arcadia this Fall, when the new Space Pirate Captain Harlock movie is finally released in Japan on September 7th. Show More Summary
The Madoka movies are almost ready to come home with you
Did you miss the Puella Magi Madoka Magica movies when they were in the theatre? I can gladly say that I got a chance to see the film when it swung through Chicago, but that doesn't dull any of my excitement for the home release! A new...Show More Summary
A Daily Dose of Music: Shiina Ringo
Well, it's about freaking time. Finally a new, haunting track from the alway amazing, Shiina Ringo. Since Tokyo Jihen split, I've been worried about the rock goddess losing some of her famous edge. No need to fret, her newest track, Irohanihoheto is the business.
Sassy, sexy, and still carrying that signature sound, the new track is fantastic. Show More Summary
Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! 2nd season confirmed
Thanks to an early Newtype leak, we now have confirmation that KyoAni's wacky romantic comedy, Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!, is in fact getting a second sequel. While we knew a new project was underway, there was some speculation that...Show More Summary
Trigger's new TV anime is called Kill-La-Kill
After much teasing, Trigger, the masterminds behind the excellent Little Witch Academia, have unveiled their newest project.
Kill-La-Kill is a TV anime (two cours) directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi (Gurren Lagann, Dead Leaves, FLCL), and written by Kazuki Nakashima (Gurren Lagann). Show More Summary
Shonen Showdown 5-8-2013
Hello and welcome to another week of Shonen Showdown, the weekly battle anime and manga recap that's slowly filling out its harem with a gaggle of nameless extras!
Thanks to last week's Golden Week celebrations the slate is a bit light...Show More Summary
Traditional dancers at a traditional Japanese festival
Tokyo changes at a dizzying pace. Buildings frequently go up and down. Shops and businesses regularly swap hands. Plus fads come and go continuously. Festivals, on the other hand, fortunately don’t — proudly maintaining their traditions and strong community ties. Events that have presumably altered very little over the years. Something that can also be [...]
Japanese pet names: popular bird, rabbit and ferret names
I’m sure there must be someone out there interested in this ranking survey from Anicom, a major pet insurance company, into the most popular names for birds, rabbits and ferrets. This survey was conducted on the 31st of March last year (2012) by looking at the pet names registered on pet insurance contracts. The names [...]
Minor rejoice? Nozomi's Princess Knight sets get revised
Thanks to Nozomi's desire to have their customers watch Princess Knight in the best quality that a DVD can bring, the series will be released in a remastered format. In exchange for Nozomi's new actions, the first set will be pushedShow More Summary
Super Robot Wars OG: Masoukishin 3 coming to PS3/Vita
A leak from this week's Famitsu magazine has revealed that Namco Bandai will be releasing Masoukishin: Pride of Justice on August 22 for the PS3 and Vita. The second game in the Masoukishin saga, Revelation of Evil God, saw a PSP release...Show More Summary
Make your meals stand out with these rad Jojo toothpicks
Many of us are still waiting for David Production's remake of Stardust Crusaders, and Lucky Lands Communication has prepared us for its inevitable premiere with a useful item that's coming out in August. And what perfect way to commemorate...Show More Summary
Review: 100 YEN: The Japanese Arcade Experience
It's saddening to admit that because of my age, the arcade boom in the west was long over before I was playing games. The idea of hanging out in a smoky room filled with bleeps and hums may not be too appealing to most people either, but it's an atmosphere that I wish I could have experienced back in its heyday. Show More Summary
