Because anime didn't start with streaming.
A key Japanese concept essential for fully appreciating anime is wa (和), translated as “harmony.” This refers to peaceful unity and accord within a social group, where members prioritize the community’s well-being over individual interests. While this sounds inherently positive, wa’s application in anime narratives often reveals its darker implications—serving as a lens through which … Read more
Six episodes of genuine friendship that showcase cultural differences and natural dialogue. Promotional Still for See You Tomorrow at the Food Court © ©2024 Shinichiro Nariie/KADOKAWA/Project See You Tomorrow at the Food Court. North American License Holder: Crunchyroll. Used for editorial purposes. Overview: When Less is More (Unfortunately) Although not a true example of mono no … Read more
Promotional Still of Apocalypse Hotel © Original Creator: CyberAgent and CygamesPictures. Production Studio: CygamesPictures. North American License Holder: Crunchyroll.Used for editorial purposes. Overview: CygamesPictures’ Original Vision During the Spring 2025 anime season, CygamesPictures released Apocalypse Hotel, an original anime that wasn’t derived from any pre-existing source material. This imaginative sci-fi series showcases a hotel run … Read more
Promotional Still of Reincarnated as a Neglected Noble: Raising My Baby Brother With Memories From My Past Life, abbreviated as SHIROHIYO © Original Creator: Yashiro. Production Studio: Studio Comet. Publisher: TO Books. North American License Holder: Crunchyroll. Used for editorial purposes. Anime streamer ratings have become a joke. Take Crunchyroll’s handling of SHIROHIYO. At first, … Read more
Image from The Eminence in Shadow, episode 1: “The Hated Classmate” © Original Creator: Daisuke Aizawa. Production Studio: Nexus. Publisher: Kadokawa. North American License Holder: Sentai Filmworks. Used for editorial purposes. The most formulaic genre in anime continues to dominate—and there’s a reason why Isekai has become anime’s junk food: predictable, creatively bankrupt, and somehow … Read more
Image from Non Non Biyori Repeat, episode 4: “I Made a Teru-teru Bouzu” © Original Creator: Atto. Production Studio: Silver Link. Publisher: Kodansha. North American License Holder: Sentai Filmworks. Used for editorial purposes. Sometimes the most profound cultural discoveries come from the simplest observations—like wondering why your poncho seems to make the rain stop. When … Read more
A reflection on childhood wonder, cultural discovery, and the power of a single show to change everything The Ritual of After-School Television When I got home from elementary school, I always looked forward to one thing: homework. I’m kidding. I couldn’t wait to get home and watch cartoons. Those precious hours between arriving home and … Read more