Haruhi for free on YouTube – with English subs

Kadokawa’s YouTube channel now has the first eight episodes of this year’s “rebroadcast” of Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu, complete with English subtitles and arranged in chronological order. Not that this matters to those who have already seen the fansubs or purchased the R1 DVDs, but if you’ve done neither then [...]

Japan 2009 Highlights: Kyoto International Manga Museum

Not interested in fossils, paintings or broken pottery? Try this museum – it’s got nothing but manga.
Lots and lots of manga.

The gathering storm

The blissful, halcyon days of my self-imposed exile from work are fast approaching their end. In a few weeks, I shall return to the not-quite-as-wonderful world of labour, toiling five days out of seven – and possibly more when the occasion calls for it – just to make enough money to support my insatiable [...]

Summer Wars trailer out

The latest offering from TokiKake’s Hosoda Mamoru is due for release (in Japan) on 01 August. For more details, check out the official site.
No word yet on overseas screenings or a subtitled DVD release, but it’s probably just a matter of time.
I can’t wait.

The way to a woman’s heart is through your sword

Behold the new standard of Japanese masculinity.
The Mainichi Daily News reports that young Japanese women are embracing the Sengoku era with an ardent thirst. Books, magazines, even “armour” underwear based on historical themes are flying off the shelves. Reki-jo (“history girls”) are turning to the likes of Uesugi Kenshin and Sanada Yukimura as [...]

Venice reimagined: Amano Kozue’s Stella (artbook review alert)

Today on Wolf Hurricane, I talk about Stella – a hardbound artbook featuring the work of ARIA manga author and illustrator Amano Kozue.
Click here to read my post.

For the great safety . . .

. . . by all means please do the sheet belt.