I love anime. Specifically, series involving any of the following things: weird fantasy elements, super-powers, robots, aliens, wicked humor, crazy villains, horror, ninjas and samurai. I guess that means I like a lot of anime. I am pretty particular about the quality of animation and voice acting. If the character designs and animation quality aren't of über-quality, I quickly loose interest.The first anime-related series I ever watched was Battle of the Planets - otherwise known as Gatachman. The first true theatrical anime feature film I saw was Akira. My first exposure to manga was later in life when I read Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy.There are so many incredible elements of Japanese culture. Some of the most exciting to me are the style of design and storytelling. I'm a web designer & illustrator, and I find myself looking to Japanese design for inspiration all the time.Anime blogging has taught me even more about Japanese culture and anime than I ever expected, and I continue to learn more every week. In fact, I'd love to travel to Japan. Rachel and I hope to visit sometime within the next few years.
I have great respect for taiko drummers. It looks very taxing to be performing the way they do. It’s a very athletic as well as intellectual, brand of musical performance. I’m glad you were able to see a taiko demo.
@Chris, I bet the CA Japanese Festivals blow our mini Midwestern Matsuri right outta the water! The Festival was still good, IMO; even if it was was a bit small…
we had some come into my secondary school a few years back, in England, they were awesome!
@Frando, That’s great! How long did they perform?
I have great respect for taiko drummers. It looks very taxing to be performing the way they do. It’s a very athletic as well as intellectual, brand of musical performance. I’m glad you were able to see a taiko demo.
Oh yah, definitely. Every year at the SF and Cupertino, CA Japanese festivals. Obon, Cherry Blossom, etc. Very cool.
@Chris, I bet the CA Japanese Festivals blow our mini Midwestern Matsuri right outta the water! The Festival was still good, IMO; even if it was was a bit small…