A look into the aspects of culture borrowed and re-interpreted by Japan and the United States. Focuses on music, art, genre, fashion and entertainment elements traded between the two cultures since the Meiji Restoration.Castles, Forests and Bath Houses: Politics, Philosophy and the Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki
The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki: Explorations into the movies of the legendary film director Hayao Miyazaki. Sacred themes, characters and story elements are identified and discussed.Chocobos Ate My Baby: The Evolution of Final Fantasy
A retrospective of a FInal Fantasy series, exploring the progress in game mechanics, art styles, storytelling methods and mythological/philosophical co-options.
Dead Like Us: Shinigami and the Japanese Idea of Death
A look into the concept of the Shinigami and how it is influenced by Japanese religious and cultural ideas.
Fanthropology: Behind the Study of Fandom
An introduction to the field of fan studies, tailored towards answering the questions of budding fan scholars.
Joseph Campbell Sends Out Mew: Pokemon and the Mythic Journey
A look into folklore and world mythology, using Pokemon as a lens.
Kowai: Ghosts, Yokai and Japanese Monster Culture
An exploration of ghosts, monsters and horror within Japanese mythology, folklore and modern media.
Modern Mythology: Mythic Elements in Anime and Video Games
A look inside the mythological symbols, story elements and themes that appear in anime and video games.
Sacred Symbols/Giant Robots: Symbolism in Mecha
A look into the melding of science and symbolic images and actions within the mecha genre.
Spirits, Wheels and Borrowed Gods: An Introduction to Japanese Religious Experience
A primer on the major religions of Japan, their history, how they impact Japanese Culture, and their influence on modern media.
We Con, Therefore We Are: A Critical Look at the Modern Congoer
An exploration into the changing demographics and motivations of contemporary anime con attendees. Co-Hosted by Joe Chen of Animechanics.
Weekend Nihonjin: Anime Fandom on the Road
Share stories, advice and experiences gathered from years of congoing.
