When I was preparing for my college entrance exams last spring, I began watching anime as a pastime. Shocked upon completing Neon Genesis Evangelion, I was entranced by the art of anime. The Tokyo International Film Festival this year hosted a feature on the anime’s director, Hideaki Anno. As I tried to subdue my exhilaration,…
Student Activist Fights Political Apathy Among Japan Youth
Back in high school, I participated in a brainstorming forum for potential policies with politicians from the national legislature. As amazed as I was to be able to engage with knowledgable legislators, I was even more surprised to discover that this event was hosted by a then-high school student, Yamato Aoki. With Both of us…
Manga Reborn: Globalizing Japanese Manga, One Translation at a Time
I met Hiroshi Sakakibara in one of my computer science courses at college. He maintains his easy-going demeanor at the office of Beyond Perspective Solutions Inc. (BPS). I visited his workplace and spoke with him and his CEO, Masaki Watanabe, about Manga Reborn. Mr. Watanabe, I understand that you were born in San Francisco…
Kan Suzuki, Former Deputy Minister of Education on Epoch Making
Before I even met Kan Suzuki, I was aware of his reputation. Also known as “Suzukan,” Mr. Suzuki continues to be an opinion leader in the field of education, even though his stint as Deputy Minister of Science and Education is over. Upon attending his passionate lecture, I was instantly inspired like many of my…